termsit

Termsit is a neologism used in some online communities to describe a person who concentrates on terms and definitions in discussion, writing, or negotiation. In practice, a termsit is someone who prioritizes precise language, often by proposing formal definitions, glossaries, or clarified wording, and by challenging ambiguous phrases. The term is not widely recognized in standard dictionaries and its meaning can vary by context.

The etymology of termsit is not well established. It appears to be a portmanteau of "term" and "sit" or "sit with terms," suggesting the act of lingering over terminology. The coinage emerged in online forums and social-media discussions in the 2020s, typically as a lighthearted label for language-minded participants. Some writers also use it to describe editors or contract specialists who curate terminology.

Usage: In debates about policy or law, a termsit may scrutinize definitions to ensure precision; in software development or data governance, they may manage a project glossary; in philosophy or linguistics, they may analyze semantic distinctions. The term can be used neutrally to acknowledge careful language, or pejoratively to hint at pedantry.

See also: terminology, glossary, pedantry, lexicon.