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Is there a proper name to describe the words we use to refer to another person?

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2022 10:29 am
by Sameen
When we talk about someone, we often use a name, a personal pronoun or something else to refer to him/her.
For example, when I speak of a boy named Leonard to my friend, I may say:
I had a date with Leonard last night, but that jackass just blew me off. He's an idiot!
Is there a proper name to describe such kind of words -- the words we use to refer to another person in a conversation with people other than that person?
I have tried to search for that, but all I've got are "vocative" and "form of address", which mean the words that one uses to address the listener, like "Honey, I'm so sorry", so I don't think they are the words I'm looking for...

Thank you.

Re: Is there a proper name to describe the words we use to refer to another person?

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:36 pm
by Lieut
Hi Everyone,

Am I mistaken to think the term you're looking for is "third person"?

I/we is "first person"
You is "second person"
And he/she/it are all "third person pronouns.

Let me know if you found this helpful.

Re: Is there a proper name to describe the words we use to refer to another person?

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 2:49 pm
by Firefoxjo
All I can think of is "nickname" but that isn't quite right. Jackass sounds like a pretty "pejorative nickname" :mrgreen:

If I can think of anything better I'll let you know.

Btw, don't put jackasses down. They can be quite useful:

Women need 4 animals:
Mink on her back
Jaguar in the garage
Tiger in bed
And a jackass to pay for it all

Re: Is there a proper name to describe the words we use to refer to another person?

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:18 pm
by Lieut
Classy