odnoszcy

Odnoszcy is a hypothetical linguistic and semiotic term used to describe a class of referential expressions whose meaning derives from a dynamic relation to context and discourse rather than from a single fixed object. The term is not part of mainstream philology and appears primarily in speculative essays and informal discussions exploring how reference can be negotiated in real time during discourse.

Etymology and coinage: The word appears to be a neologism drawing on Polish roots related to odnosić, meaning to refer or relate, with a suffix pattern found in several academic coinages. Because odnoszcy is not widely standardized, its exact etymology remains informal and varies across authors.

Definition and function: An odnoszcy expression is understood as a referential unit whose referent shifts with the evolving discourse context. In practice, terms such as certain demonstratives or indexicals can function as odnoszcy in conversational frames where the set of possible referents changes as topics, participants, or objects are added or reinterpreted.

Examples and usage: In a multi-item discussion, the use of "this" or "that" can be construed as odnoszcy if the speaker’s intended referent moves as the conversation proceeds. The concept is intended to capture fluid reference in dynamic communication, rather than fixed reference in static descriptions.

Relation to other ideas: Odnoszcy is discussed in relation to indexicals, deixis, dynamic semantics, and self-reference. Critics note the lack of formal criteria and empirical tests, while supporters argue it helps model how meaning can flex within live interaction.

See also: referential theory, indexicals, deixis, dynamic semantics, self-reference.