respeitemare

Respeitemare is a neologism used in online discourse to describe a category of dream or imagined scenario in which a person confronts social expectations about respect. The central feature is distress arising from perceived pressures to show deference, navigate boundaries between authority and subordination, or reconcile cultural norms with personal autonomy. In some descriptions, the term frames the experience as a blend of nightmare-like anxiety and social performance.

Etymology: The term combines “respect” with “nightmare,” signaling both the subject matter (social deference and respect) and the unsettling emotional tone. The form respeitemare has appeared in informal glossaries and online discussions since the early 2020s, though it has not achieved formal scholarly use.

Usage and themes: In anecdotes, respeitemare features figures such as bosses, family elders, teachers, or peers who demand unqualified respect, punish perceived violations, or undermine the dreamer’s sense of self. The distress often stems from fears of disrespecting others, violating norms, or facing social sanction. The concept is frequently discussed in the context of social anxiety, performativity, or cultural expectations around politeness and hierarchy.

Reception and scope: Respeitemare is not part of clinical psychology or psychiatry and has limited scholarly attention. It is primarily described in forums, blogs, and social media where users compare experiences and analyze the social dynamics of respect.

See also: nightmares, dreams, social anxiety, politeness norms, performativity.