Pragma-Semantic Remarks on Legal Phraseology

The present paper aims at analyzing the so-called legal phrases, sometimes called collocations, expressions, or even idioms, which constitute one of the numerous terminological difficulties of legalese, and often prove challenging to learners of English as a second language. Definable as a subtype of multi-word units, or phraseological combinations with various forms, they possess a specific semantic content and pragmatic function, which make them resist decoding and radically diverge from “plain” language, thus giving rise to innumerable comprehension and interpretation problems. Additional features such as the complex use of metonymy and euphemism streamline complex legal processes and manage the emotional and social impact of legal discourse, while strategic adaptations of Grice’s maxims support consistency and interpretive stability. Together, these elements demonstrate that legalese functions not merely as technical jargon but as an essential tool for structuring legal reasoning and administering justice.