respectre

Respectre is a term used in online discourse to describe a persona or concept that emphasizes respectful conduct and civil engagement in discussions. The word combines respect with spectre (or specter), suggesting an ethereal, ever-present reminder of courtesy that punctuates online interactions. In practice, respectre can refer to an individual who deliberately models polite discourse, a tag for content that promotes constructive discussion, or a fictional or symbolic figure emblematic of civility.

Origin and usage: Respectre appears in internet communities in the early 2020s and has since circulated on forums, microblogging platforms, and meme ecosystems. It is used both as a self-descriptor by users who seek to uphold decorum and as a label for posts, threads, or accounts that exemplify or advocate for non-hostile dialogue. Hashtags such as #Respectre and accompanying imagery are sometimes employed to signal a respectful frame for conversation.

Context in fiction and media: Outside real-world usage, Respectre also appears as a fictional entity in fan fiction, indie webcomics, and simple web fiction, where it may take the form of a benevolent spirit guiding characters toward civility or moderating conflicts. There is no single canonical definition, and meanings vary across communities.

Reception: The term is not widely recognized in linguistic authorities and is largely confined to online culture. It is generally viewed positively when promoting civility, though some critique it as vague or performative.