Performative

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Performative
/pəˈfɔːmətɪv/ ('.)

1. (Critical theory) Characterised by the performance of a social or cultural role: the contextual and performative aspects of gender'. Popular as a shorthand way of both (a) sounding intelligent and (b) dismissing out of hand well-intended but regrettable actions and statements of unmentionable people.

2. (Media relations) Describing an action that resembling a dramatic or artistic performance, being one in whose acquiescence one must suspend disbelief willingly— if on a stage of some kind — or gullibly, if in a political or commercial context. A magician’s misdirection. “It’s a crucial moment in history,” said Abraaj founder, Arif Naqvi. “It’s an opportunity to immutably and absolutely change the course of innumerable lives.”

3. (Technical, and not really in use these days) Relating to an utterance by means of which the speaker performs a particular act (e.g. “I guarantee”, I “represent”, I “promise” ).

See also

• Virtue-signalling