Where does the name come from? The functions of anthroponyms in the linguistic space of poetry slams

Abstract

Poetry slams have been taking place in Poland continuously for twenty years. The possibility of using non-verbal elements and interaction with the audience attracts artists representing various social groups. Slam poets who present original works prepared for oral presentation during the events often take on peculiar names (e.g. Sad Tuna, Wania Łania, Noicoztego, Wieszcz Leszcz, Raban). Slammers’ names present a plural diversity. Most often their incorporation is practically or artistically motivated. The anthroponyms used arouse the interest of the audience, who try to find out where the name came from. This article will discuss the function of slammers’ names and present their classification taking into account their origin, the motivation of the authors or the analysis of slammer self-presentations.