Abstract
The paper explores the imposter function of terms of address and pronouns in Mandarin. Terms of address can assume the exophoric function of pronoun and refer to speaker or addressee in a speech event. Personal pronouns can take up the generic function featuring both its primary and extended function. When denoting speaker or addressee, they can express the power relationship between interlocutors with respect to a difference in social status as well as the degree of intimacy and even enhance solidarity in speech community. Some terms of address can be epithets referring to the speaker himself or herself in a high state of emotion. The paper also brings the emotive function of pronouns to bear on the issue of the principle of binding.