Indeed, it's not. In the case of what we'd usually call stack-allocated variables, the C standard just uses the phrase "automatic storage duration", and define

Indeed, it's not. In the case of what we'd usually call stack-allocated variables, the C standard just uses the phrase "automatic storage duration", and defines their lifetime without explicitly referencing a stack: > For such an object that does not have a variable length array type, its lifetime extends from entry into the block with which it is associated until execution of that block ends in any way. (Entering an enclosed block or calling a function suspends, but does not end, execution of the current block.) If the block is entered recursively, a new instance of the object is created each time. The initial value of the object is indeterminate.