metagrammatical

Metagrammatical is an infrequently used adjective that refers to matters beyond standard grammar or to analyses and puzzles that involve metagrammatic transformations of language. The term is formed from meta- (beyond, about) and grammatical. Because it is not a standardized term in general linguistics, its precise meaning varies by author and context.

In linguistic or cognitive discussions, metagrammatical can describe approaches that explore how letter-level or form-level modifications interact with grammatical structure. This may include analyses of how alterations in word forms affect syntactic roles, semantics, or cross-linguistic relations in ways not captured by conventional grammar alone. In recreational linguistics and puzzle communities, metagrammatical is sometimes used to label rules for word games that derive new forms by altering letters of a base word while considering grammatical connections.

There is no universally accepted formal definition, and the term is largely used in niche or speculative contexts rather than as a technical standard. When encountered, it is best to consult the source to understand whether the usage is theoretical, cognitive, or playful.

See also: grammar, morphology, syntax, metagram, wordplay.