potrzebujc

Potrzebujc is a coined term in Polish-language online discourse that denotes a pattern of communication in which a speaker explicitly states a need or desire and frames it in a way that invites help, validation, or sympathy. It is not a standard dictionary entry but a label used by commentators to describe a social-psychological dynamic observed in forums, comment sections, and social networks.

Origin and form: The term blends the Polish verb potrzebować, “to need,” with an informal, clipped spelling that mimics online shorthand. In some usages it appears as potrzebujc or potrzebujac to evoke a momentary act of “needing” performed in real time rather than a settled state.

Usage and examples: Proponents describe potrzebujc as a neutral descriptor of how requests are framed online, while critics view it as performative or manipulative. Examples include posts that foreground an urgent personal need, followed by requests for help, resources, or sympathy, with the emphasis on shared experience rather than a practical solution.

Variations and related concepts: Related phenomena include self-disclosure, performative allyship, and online reciprocity. Some commentators attach a pejorative connotation to potrzebujc, arguing it can pressure audiences to respond emotionally rather than rationally.

See also: linguistic pragmatics; online communities; self-disclosure; request for help.