phatic (FAT-ik) adjective

[samvara]

Relating to a communication meant to generate an atmosphere of social relationship rather than to convey some information.

When you bump into your neighbor on your way out and say, "How are you?" you're engaging in phatic communion. The idea is not to inquire into your neighbor's state of affairs but simply to create a feeling of shared goodwill.

Comments

[mynxii.livejournal.com]

Oh that's just lovely :)

I like that word :)

[buoy-wonder.livejournal.com]

So hows it going?

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

Fine!

How 'bout that weather huh?

[buoy-wonder.livejournal.com]

Yep, it's very.....

*opens curtin*

cloudy. Probably cold as well but I'm not leaving my heater.

Also, how about that local sports and/or track team?!

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

[sigh] some of us braved the weather a long time ago and are safely ensconced at work.

Western Derby this weekend! [bounce]

So how's your health?

[buoy-wonder.livejournal.com]

Can't complain, can't complain.

And that Derby, it will be very derbyish.

Did you hear about friend x/celebrity x?

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

Good to hear.

Hope the weather will be good for the game.

Who would have thunk it? I hope it works out for them.

[prk.livejournal.com]

I object to this term on the grounds that it's sizeist!

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

We can't help bumping into large people - they take up more space!

PS You available for lunch today?

[prk.livejournal.com]

Yup, as long as it's at about 12pm or just before.

I've got a 1pm meeting.

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[japester.livejournal.com]

why is it that I heard other people talking about exactly the same thing yesterday?
odd ...
word of the day or something?

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

wordsmith.org

Does this mean I have a word buddy at your work?

[japester.livejournal.com]

nope. scary sca (music) person

[black-samvara.livejournal.com]

Infectious memes are everywhere ;-)