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Atticist Lexica and the Interpretation of Comic Language

  • Chiara Monaco ORCID logo EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: July 15, 2023
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Abstract

This study aims to analyse how Atticist lexicographers used ancient sources to problematize their lack of sensitivity to literary contexts. This article focuses on comic passages that are interpreted according to the prescriptive outlook of Atticist lexicographers. I will show how lexicographers’ notes on linguistic correctness betray a general indifference towards the stylistic registers and complex variety of the language of comedy. Two case studies will be investigated: (a) the backdating of koine words and (b) the misinterpretation of comic corrections. The analysis of these two cases shows that lexicographers very often interpreted comic attestations as evidence of regular Greek expressions if this reading served the purpose of censoring or supporting a specific usage, regardless of whether or not the comedians were using a word metaphorically or in a jocular way.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Prof. Olga Tribulato for her suggestions and comments on this piece. The citations of Greek and Latin authors in this article follow the OCD abbreviations.

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Published Online: 2023-07-15
Published in Print: 2023-07-12

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