1. In the English language, an instance of the word "this" which lacks a referent, i.e. some other word which explains what the "this" in question refers to.
Lacking a referent, the "this" is thus "
naked" and
may prove confusing to the reader or listener, since they do not know precisely to what the writer or speaker is referring.
Sue: I really
hate this.
John: Really
hate what? You employed a "naked this" there so I don't know what you are talking about.
Sue: Oh, well excuse me, Mr. University of Dickishness. Fine. I
hate this Grammar Nazi kick you've been on lately. Is that better, fuckface?
John: Well, yes and no.