The Elasticity of Vague LanguageAbstract:This paper develops an overarching theoretical framework for dealing with the strategic elastic- ity of vague language. Employing the metaphor of a slingshot, it describes how the vague language (VL) is stretched to meet the needs of communication. Drawing attention to the positive and effective role played by VL, the study further looks into how the VL theory is derived from real - life data of ten- sion -prone encounters. The empirical evidence validates the theory~ main maxim and its four specific maxims, and lends support to the following findings: 1 ) the pragmatic functions which VL performs, their linguistic realizations, and the pragmatic maxims they conform to are interconnected; 2) the dom- inant factor in the functioning of VL is the communicative goal; and 3 ) stretching on a continuum of polarities, between soft and tough, firm and flexible, cooperative and uncooperative, shows the versa- tility and elasticity of VL. An important implication of this study is that while VL~ vagueness is context -governed and culture- denendent it~ nll A ~1.o~;.;~.. ; :