semantic satiation

Semantic satiation is a psychological phenomenon where repeating a word or phrase many times causes it to temporarily lose its meaning, making it sound like a meaningless collection of sounds. This occurs because repeated activation of a neural pathway to a word's meaning can cause temporary fatigue or inhibition, leading the brain to re-regulate its focus and temporarily cease to process the word's meaning.

I kept repeating the word 'crowded' over and over for a minute, and by the end, it just sounded like a weird noise—total semantic satiation!

by Emotional Cruiser October 12, 2025

Semantic Fidelity

When words still carry their original meaning instead of getting twisted by algorithms, brands, or culture. The opposite of when “authentic” somehow means staged. High semantic fidelity = language actually says what it means.

“Bro, that ad copy has zero semantic fidelity. It’s like reading a chatbot trained on vibes.”

by GuyWhoWritesDefinitions September 4, 2025

semantic regime change

When the meaning of words shifts so drastically that reality itself starts to feel like a glitch. Usually driven by cultural agendas, internet discourse, or corporate rebranding.

Examples:

"First, 'disruption' meant innovation—now it means getting laid off. Another semantic regime change, baby."

"Remember when 'outside' meant nature and not just…vibes? Total semantic regime change."

See also: gaslighting, linguistic coup, reality distortion field

by atalaocean March 17, 2025