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

“Everyone is mad at us—the quote-unquote rich people on Baxter Road,” said William Cohan, a journalist and former banker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 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

With this cast, Bravo has perfected its old-school, “Gallery Girls”-era formula, where not every cast member has to be quote-unquote interesting all the time.

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2025

And I say quote-unquote because it’s super rare that I can pay him back, and he doesn’t care.

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