floating signifier

== English == === Etymology === Calque of French signifiant flottant as used by French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss. === Noun === floating signifier (plural floating signifiers) (sociology, philosophy) A signifier—that is, a linguistic sign, a label or slogan—with a vague and variable meaning. Near-synonyms: empty signifier, master signifier ==== Usage notes ==== Floating signifier is typically used synonymously with empty signifier, but is sometimes distinguished as a signifier with an over- or underdetermined meaning rather than one that is strictly devoid of content in itself.