so-called

American  

[soh-kawld] / ˈsoʊˈkɔld /

adjective

1. called or designated thus.

   the so-called Southern bloc.

2. incorrectly called or styled thus.

   so-called intellectuals.

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so-called British  

adjective

1. 1. (prenominal) designated or styled by the name or word mentioned, esp (in the speaker's opinion) incorrectly

      a so-called genius

   2. ( also used parenthetically after a noun )

      these experts, so-called, are no help

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Etymology

Origin of so-called

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Rio's militias emerged around four decades ago when former police officers and security agents created so-called self-defense groups to protect communities from drug gangs.

From Barron's

They are also due to take part in a videoconference meeting with Kyiv's allies -- the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" which includes Britain, France and Germany.

From Barron's

The so-called original-equiment business lines that serve these customers at First Brands will remain open.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company is “built for the space megatrend,” according to Godyn, who pointed to growing interest and investment in the global so-called space economy.

From MarketWatch

It was the vaquero who developed the initial incarnations of the so-called Western saddle, with its distinctive “horn,” used both as a grip and for securing ropes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled