Abstract
<jats:p>This article explores the criterion of artistic quality (badiiylik), which is considered the fundamental core of fiction, alongside the nature of the artistic image and the artistic word from both linguistic and literary perspectives. The study provides a comparative analysis of the etymological roots of the term "image" (obraz) within the Slavic and Russian linguistic layers, relying on the interpretations of Vladimir Dal, Max Vasmer, and Uzbek literary scholars, while highlighting its commonalities with the Arabic concept of "bade’" (creativity). Additionally, the functional nature of the artistic word, the typology of lyrical experiences (momentary and memory-based lyrical experiences), and the correlation between artistic logic and real-life logic are elucidated. The article concludes by scientifically justifying the need to overcome one-sidedness in studying artistic language and style in Uzbek linguistics and literary criticism, emphasizing the transition toward linguopoetics and holistic philological analysis.</jats:p>