ABSTRACT
The so-called “approximative uses” of como que are characterized by the semantically imprecise use of a lexical expression (Es verde/ Es como verde). These approximative uses extend to the realm of quantification: Eran como diez. Como can also act upon a whole proposition, giving rise to the construction “como que + indicative” used with a mitigating intention (A las mujeres como que no las entiendo nada). This construction is related to the use of the formula como que no, specialized in expressing attenuated disagreement (Tú demócrata… como que no). These uses are analyzed within the framework of the so-called vague language and the semantic-pragmatic phenomenon of hedging. The presence of como not only contributes to modifying its semantic content but can also have repercussions on the pragmatic value of the message. Finally, the processes of pragmaticalization that have intervened in the emergence of these approximative values of como are considered, especially those that, based on the construction “como que + indicative”, have turned the formula como que no into an attenuation marker. Likewise, the role that topicalization processes have played in its emergence is highlighted.
