réclam

Réclam is not a standard standalone word in modern French. In practice, it is typically seen as an abbreviation of the noun réclamation, referring to a claim, complaint, or request for remedy.

In administrative and commercial writing, réclam or Réclam may appear on forms, lists, or internal notes to indicate that a particular item concerns a complaint rather than a general inquiry. A réclamation generally involves describing the issue, providing dates, references such as order numbers, and requesting a specific remedy, such as a refund, replacement, or correction. Procedures for handling réclamations vary by jurisdiction and organization and usually include acknowledgment, investigation, and a response within a defined timeframe.

Etymology: réclamation comes from the Latin clamare “to cry out,” with the prefix re- indicating repetition or emphasis. The abbreviation réclam is a shorthand form found mainly in notes or templates rather than formal prose.

Notes: The term is sometimes confused with the German publishing house Reclam Verlag, known for its pocket-sized Die kleinen roten Bücher. Although spelled similarly, Reclam Verlag uses the brand name without the acute accent and is unrelated to the French abbreviation.