Abstract:
The aim of the chapter is to investigate impoliteness in select samples extracted from the Polish media. The examination is threefold and encompasses the following levels of analysis: linguistic, pragmalinguistic and sociolinguistic. The data are presented from the following perspectives: the situational and linguistic background, immediate context, reflections on self-image/face of the sender and on social norms, intentions of the sender and the addressee, emotions and hierarchical interpersonal relationship (including the option of blocking a possible reply). Social reception of the impolite behaviour and the motivation behind it constitute an important part of the study.