Signification

Signification is the process of using language, directly or indirectly, in a creative and clever way to verbally assault or attack an opponent. The opponent is signified on (i.e., verbally goaded) by the signifier (i.e., the speaker). Signification, or signifyin’, as it is called in African American vernacular discourse, requires that a speaker demonstrate a great deal of verbal dexterity to outwit the opponent. Other names that are synonymous or associated with signifyin’ include crackin’, cappin’, jonin’, soundin’, and ...