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

Local media described Freeman as a conspiracy theorist and member of the so-called "sovereign citizen" movement, which falsely believes it is not subject to the law.

From Barron's

OpenAI realized it needed to put more resources into building these so-called productivity tools, and began looking at areas to deprioritize.

From The Wall Street Journal

After the so-called SaaSpocalypse hit markets in January, the tune appeared to change.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Sala's death also shone a light on the opaque world of football transfers and player welfare, as well as on so-called 'grey' and illegal charter flights.

From BBC

It said the company's actions may have helped fuel so-called "cosmeticorexia" - an unhealthy obsession with skincare in young people experts believe may be on the rise.

From BBC

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled