Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Flouting Implicature

Definition: 

A flouting implicature is a conversational implicature based on an addressee's assumption that the speaker is deliberately breaking (flouting) a conversational maxim while still being cooperative.

Discussion: 

The term flouting implicature is a coinage. The concept of an implicature derived from the flouting of a maxim is an important one in the literature of conversational implicature, but there is not a specific name for it. It would commonly be more appropriate to speak of an implicature derived from the speaker’s flouting of a conversational maxim.

Examples: 

(English)

In the following exchange, B flouts the maxim of manner, thereby implying that an open discussion of the ice cream is not desired:

  • A: Let’s get the kids something.

  • B: Okay, but I veto I-C-E C-R-E-A-M-S.

    • See Also: 
    Addressee
    Speaker
    Conversational Maxim
    Implicature
    Source: 
    Levinson 1983
    104–105

    This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library. Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003.

    LinguaLinks Ordering Information

    Glossary Hierarchy

  • Meaning And Pragmatic Function
  • Implicature
  • Actual Implicature
  • Nonconventional Implicature
  • Conversational Implicature
  • Flouting Implicature