Language game in true crime: analysis of the names of Telegram channels and podcasts

This article is dedicated to the analysis of the phenomenon of language play used in the names of Telegram channels and podcasts specializing in the true crime genre. The relevance of the study is due to the rapid growth in popularity of this genre and the increasing competition for audience attention, which stimulates content creators to use creative and memorable titles. The aim of the research is to identify the main types and functions of language play in names, which implies the systematization of the techniques used and determining their role in attracting audiences and shaping a specific image of the content. The article discusses the theoretical foundations of language play, emphasizing the understanding of language play as a conscious violation of linguistic norms aimed at creating an expressive, comic, or other stylistic effect. Special attention is paid to defining language play as linguistic creative thinking, based on breaking associative stereotypes and requiring active interpretation from the recipient. The choice of research methods (method of complete sampling, descriptive method, method of linguistic and contextual analysis) is determined by the aim of a comprehensive analysis of language play in the names of true crime Telegram channels and podcasts, including the identification, systematization, and interpretation of linguistic features, as well as determining their functional role. The novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive analysis of language play specifically in the context of the names of true crime Telegram channels and podcasts, which has not yet been the subject of close linguistic study. Preliminary results indicate a wide use of techniques such as allusions, metaphors, contrasts, and puns. Their role in creating a unique image, attracting attention, establishing a connection with the audience, and setting the tone for the narrative is analyzed. The genre of "true crime" represents a relatively new area for scientific research, opening up wide prospects for interdisciplinary analysis from literary, linguistic, cultural, psychological, and other perspectives. Further research may also focus on comparative analysis of language play in the titles of true crime content in different languages and cultural contexts.