Madka z bombelkami, czyli o leksykalnych nośnikach lakunarności

The aim of the paper is to analyse two lexemes belonging to the most recent layer of the modern Polish lexicon, mainly the words madka and bombelek which are deeply rooted in culture, as lacunary units, i.e. non-equivalent items, from a Polish-English perspective. The analysis of lexicographic entries constitutes a starting point for the investigation of the potential approximate English equivalents of both lexemes and verifying the hypothesis concerning their lacunarity. The research on English corresponding units allows the conclusion to be drawn that the two Polish words are non-equivalent at the systematic level, since they refer to complex mental constructs, evoke cultural connotations and are judgemental.