ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the wider circulation and broader legitimacy related to the use of the family of terms morphologically associated with lefargen and firgun have been accompanied by a broadening of its semantic scope. It demonstrates the particular conception and scope of the notion of "interpersonal support" embedded within this model, and the behavioral expectations associated with it, are indeed a matter of empirical exploration. The chapter traces "language game" in a way similar to earlier studies of Israeli metacommunicative terms, hoping it would similarly offer new inroads into the study of central aspects of the semantics of social relations in Israel. The enhancement of reputation associated with acts of firgun applies no less to the person who "knows lefargen" than to the person whose praises are sung. A person who acts with firgun not only exudes goodwill but is also seen as secure enough in his or her personal standing to publicly express recognition and delight in another's accomplishments.
