performative utterance

English - English

Definition of performative utterance in English English dictionary

A sentence or other linguistic expression which, when expressed in an appropriate context, actually does or accomplishes something

Famous examples of performative utterances are I now pronounce you husband and wife (when uttered by the authorized officiator during a marriage ceremony) or You're fired! (when exclaimed by an employer terminating a person's employment).

Related Terms

A performative utterance

performative

Hyphenation

per·for·ma·tive ut·ter·ance

Etymology

() Coined by philosopher J. L. Austin (1911-1960).