szócskép

Szócskép is a term found in some Hungarian linguistics and lexicography texts describing a concise, image-like description attached to a word to illustrate its meaning. The word is formed from szó meaning “word” and kép meaning “image,” with a diminutive sense that points to a small or simplified mental picture or illustration associated with the term. The concept is primarily used in educational contexts, such as learners’ dictionaries, primers, and other pedagogy materials, where a brief szócskép helps learners grasp and remember a word’s sense.

In practice, a szócskép is typically a short phrase or sensory image designed to evoke typical associations connected with a word. It is intended as a mnemonic aid rather than a strict grammatical or rhetorical device. Consequently, szócskép is considered distinct from szókép, a broader category of figures of speech used in poetry and prose to produce vivid imagery, whereas szócskép is more aligned with vocabulary acquisition and comprehension.

Usage and status: the term appears in older or specialized Hungarian sources and is less common in contemporary everyday linguistics. Some authors employ alternative labels for similar teaching aids, and the exact boundaries between szócskép and related concepts can vary by author or school of thought.

See also: szókép, szóképlet, lexicography, pedagogy.

Note: szócskép is an obscure or niche term within Hungarian linguistics, and sources may differ on its precise definition or usage.