self-reference

[ self-ref-er-uhns, -ref-ruhns ]

noun

1. reference made to oneself, to one's own character or experience, or to a group with which one identifies.
2. Logic. the property of a statement that is a statement about itself, as “This statement is grammatical.”

Sensitive Note

Social, ethnic, or other groups often use terms of self-reference in a neutral, even affectionate or jocular way, much like nicknames. These self-referential terms function to reinforce solidarity among members of the group. However, when used by outsiders, these very same terms are perceived as offensive by those who belong to the group. Examples of self-referential terms are Canuck, chick, dyke, geek, nigger, queer.

Other Words From

• self-ref·er·en·tial [self, -ref-, uh, -, ren, -sh, uh, l], self-re·fer·ring [self, -ri-, fur, -ing], adjective
• self-ref·er·ential·ly adverb

Example Sentences

But she has built her web of fame through plenty of self-reference to her own real lived life.

From Slate

As with the previous picture, Adkins co-wrote the screenplay with Stu Small, though this time the veteran British thriller director Jesse V. Johnson has been replaced by newcomers George and Harry Kirby, who tip the tone from tongue-in-cheek self-reference to something more akin to a live-action cartoon.

From Los Angeles Times

Leaving aside the self-reference and winks at the audience, the director instead tells this highly metafictional story in a dozen docu-realistic vignettes, revealing the alienation of urban life and the cruelty of men.

From New York Times

Gokavi wrote back then about Freeman’s capacity to wink, about his chronic but unserious self-reference as “The Deuce,” an homage to his jersey number.

From Washington Post

And each iteration of “Irma Vep” brings additional, increasingly complex ripples of self-reference.

From New York Times