A structurally uniform account of slur-based definites

Abstract

We argue for a structurally uniform account of slur-based definites (SDs), focusing on the systematic ambiguity between descriptive and epithet readings of SDs in Brazilian Portuguese. We showthat the interpretive and distributional contrasts between these readings – e.g., concerning misdescription tolerance, Principle C effects, binominal constructions, NP ellipsis – do not motivate structural ambiguity within the DP, contrary to recent proposals. Instead, we derive both readings from the interaction of two independently motivated ingredients: (i) an optional type-shifting operation triggered by a syntactic [ex +] feature on NPs, which transfers descriptive content from the truth-conditional to the use-conditional dimension; and (ii) a systematic lexical ambiguity in definite determiners, which can be interpreted either as uniqueness operators or as pronominal elements. This approach preserves a uniform DP syntax while accounting for the full range of interpretive and distributional properties of slur-based nominals. Furthermore, it also unifies epithet readings with referential uses of definite descriptions.