lorsquon

Lorsquon is a neologism used in linguistic and online cultural contexts to designate a moment of collective realization or action. It acts as a fictional time marker in narratives and discussions, signaling the point when a group chooses to act. The term is usually presented as a single word, echoing the standard French construction lorsque on (meaning when we/one), but written without an apostrophe to emphasize unity or simultaneity.

Its etymology traces to a blend of French morphemes and contemporary meme culture. “Lorsque” means “when,” and “on” functions as an indefinite or collective subject in French. The compound form “lorsquon” appears in online writing as a stylistic nonce-word, without a single known author; it has circulated in bilingual forums, creative writing prompts, and role-playing communities since the 2010s, with no formal standardization.

Usage and interpretation: In fiction and theory, lorsquon is used to compress time and foreground collective agency. It marks the turning point at which a group acts in concert, often preceding a dramatic change in plot or argument. Examples appear in short stories, essays on group dynamics, and game prompts: “Le village hésitait; lorsquon prit la décision, tout s’accéléra.” As a neologism, lorsquon remains primarily within niche communities and language-play contexts, where it functions as a playful tool for discussing collective action and moment of decision.