Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

empty signifier

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.28 in modern English

Syllables: emp-ty sig-ni-fi-er
IPA

25

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

5

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A signifier—that is, a linguistic sign, a label or slogan—with no fixed and delimited meaning, which can therefore be interpreted in many ways and represent a range of different beliefs and aspirations.

Example Sentences

"In many ways, the goal of “Clear” seems to have functioned as a kind of empty signifier, an amorphous but supremely attractive goal that could represent almost anything to anyone: higher IQ for some, better personal relationships for others, career success for some, domestic bliss for others."

Etymology

First attested in the 1970s, apparently originally a calque of French signifiant vide as used by Jacques Derrida among others (though not by Lacan as sometimes supposed; compare the Lacanian term master signifier). Subsequently popularised in the work of Ernesto Laclau in the 1990s.

Origin

First known use: First attested in the 1970s

Inflected Forms

empty signifiers (plural)

Synonyms

floating signifier master signifier

Questions

What does empty signifier mean?: A signifier—that is, a linguistic sign, a label or slogan—with no fixed and delimited meaning, which can therefore be interpreted in many ways and represent a range of different beliefs and aspirations.
Where does empty signifier come from?: First known use: First attested in the 1970s.

How to pronounce empty signifier

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “empty signifier”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “empty signifier”.
Repeat and practice — Say “empty signifier” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.