The act of meaning something or communicating an idea, often through signs, symbols, or gestures rather than direct words.
From Latin 'significare' (to make known, indicate), from 'signum' (sign) and 'facere' (to make). The meaning evolved from literally 'making signs' to the broader sense of conveying meaning in any form.
In African American Vernacular English, 'signifying' became an art form—a clever, witty way of communicating criticism or humor indirectly, using wordplay and metaphor. This tradition has deep roots in oral cultures and was a survival tool during oppression.
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