"Appellation"is one of the most fundamental linguistic phenomena in language use.However,there is still a lack of in-depth discussion on a series of issues,such as what is the"appellation",the relationship between"appellation"and"address",whether"appellation"is discrete or systematic,and how the appellation system of modern Chinese is constructed.Based on the theory of"New Speech Act Analysis",this paper argues that the essence of appellation lies in"social identity reference",while the essence of addressing lies in"negotiation of situational roles".The appellation system is not merely a spontaneous daily appellation system,but comprises two major subsystems:the regulatory appellation system and the spontaneous appellation system.The daily appellation system in Chinese includes not only the traditional concepts of"honorifics"and"humble terms,"but also three types of identity:1)"honorific appellation",consisting of"honorifics"and"humble terms";2)"derogatory appellation",consisting of"arrogant terms"and"disparaging terms";and 3)"equal appellation",consisting of"neutral terms,""familiar terms,""pet names,""euphemisms,"and"joking terms."Traditionally,"name"does not seem to constitute an"appellation"because it is a proper noun,representing individualization rather than typification.However,if"name"is viewed as a construction,then it becomes a special form of"identity"symbol,namely"constructional appellation."The correct understanding of Chinese daily identity reference can only be achieved when placed within such a system.