quote-unquote

British  

interjection

1. an expression used before or part before and part after a quotation to identify it as such, and sometimes to dissociate the writer or speaker from it

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Example Sentences

Swan, herself no stranger to the wellness-podcast circuit, was careful to insert the caveat that the film is “not a quote-unquote ‘scientific study.’

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

“They, quote-unquote, innovated by taking what others have created and using it to build their own product,” Muller said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

But the film does pose important questions about just how far social media takedowns and cultural perception have changed in the 10-plus years since Deen’s quote-unquote cancellation.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2025

Back then, I didn’t realize we were in the quote-unquote ghetto or in the hood or anything — I didn’t really know the difference.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024

“Yeah, I just...are you seriously implying that seeing Hamilton and quote-unquote ‘just hanging out’ are two equally good alternatives?”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera