metaspecific

Metaspecific is a term used in linguistics and philosophy of language to describe a level of meaning or reference that goes beyond the literal, specific content of an utterance. It refers to the broader contextual, social, or intentional aspects that influence how a statement is understood. For example, the metaspecific meaning of a sarcastic remark is not its literal content but the speaker's ironic intent to convey the opposite.

This concept is particularly relevant in understanding indirect speech acts, where the intended meaning differs from the grammatical form. A request like "Can you pass the salt?" has a literal meaning about ability, but its metaspecific meaning is a directive to pass the salt. The listener infers this not just from the words but from shared knowledge of social conventions and the context of the meal.

Metaspecific understanding also encompasses the speaker's attitude, the relationship between interlocutors, and the broader social or cultural framework. It involves interpreting not just *what* is said, but *why* it is said and *how* it should be taken. This goes beyond semantic meaning to pragmatic and inferential layers of communication.