Features of the Formation of Prefix-Suffix Negatonyms

The object of this study is negatonyms – a special type of negative pseudonyms found in «The Dictionary of Pseudonyms of Russian Writers, Scholars, and Public Figures» by I. F. Masanov. The paper analyzes 67 negatonyms formed by prefixal-suffixal derivation, with the use of the prefixes bez-/bes-, za-, and the suffix -n-. Special attention is paid to the distinction between one-word and multi-word negatonyms, with the latter predominating. The subject of the research is the structural and semantic features of negatonym formation. The study examines the methods and means of word formation (including base words and derivational elements), types of motivation based on the typical lexical meanings of the producing bases, and word-formation models – both productive and non-productive. Additionally, the motivation behind the selection of specific forms is analyzed, along with the correlation between negatonyms and the authors’ professional, social, and biographical characteristics. Special consideration is given to instances of language play, including oxymorons, metaphors, and transliterations, which emphasize the creative nature of naming. The material is analyzed using the descriptive method: the units of analysis are identified, their properties and characteristics are defined, and the collected data are generalized and interpreted. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of 67 prefixal-suffixal negatonyms recorded in I. F. Masanov’s dictionary. It has been established that multi-word negatonyms not only dominate quantitatively, but also offer a more detailed characterization of the author – indicating their profession, social role, or biographical peculiarity. Both one-word and multi-word forms are predominantly created using the model with the prefix bez-/bes- and the suffix -n-. Language play (metaphor, transliteration, oxymoron) plays a significant role in shaping these pseudonyms, highlighting the creative approach to naming. The findings contribute to the development of onomastics, broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of negative self-identification in Russian culture and also serve as a reliable foundation for further research in this field.

onomastics, anthroponyms, pseudonyms, negatonyms, I. Masanov’s dictionary, prefix-suffix word formation, derivational bases, semantic motivation, language play, negation