indistinctthat

Indistinctthat is a term used in linguistic semantics to describe a class of referential expressions that blend vague or indeterminate reference with a demonstrative determiner. The central idea is that the referent is acknowledged to exist and belongs to a recognizable class, but specific identity is intentionally left unclear or approximate. The term is a neologism that appears in theoretical discussions to model how speakers signal imprecision in reference without resorting to outright indefiniteness or definite identifiability.

Usage and syntax: Indistinctthat typically functions as a determiner phrase preceding a noun, sometimes in combination with adjectives or relative clauses. It is used to convey that the speaker is referencing a referent that is known in broad terms but not well specified. Examples: “She handed me indistinctthat report,” implying the report’s exact contents or authorship are not precisely identified; “They discussed indistinctthat plan,” indicating the plan’s details are fuzzy; “An indistinctthat shadow lingered at the edge of the light.” These examples illustrate how the element interacts with context to convey vagueness rather than precision.

Etymology and status: The term indistinctthat was introduced in theoretical discussions in the 2010s as a convenient label; it is not part of established grammar inventories and remains a topic of debate among linguists. Related concepts include indefinite determiners, demonstratives, and expressions of vagueness in semantics.