soi-disant

[ swa-dee-zahn ]

adjective

, French.

1. calling oneself thus; self-styled.
2. so-called or pretended.

soi-disant

/ swadizɑ̃ /

adjective

1. so-called; self-styled

Word History and Origins

Origin of soi-disant¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from French: literally, “calling oneself”; soi “oneself,” from Latin sē ( self ( def ) ); disant “saying,” present participle of dire “to say, tell,” from Latin dīcere “to say, speak, tell” ( diction ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of soi-disant¹

literally: calling oneself

Example Sentences

The soi-disant widow was in her boudoir; it was a great favor, to begin with, to be admitted to a tte--tte with her.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Smith explained that he knew this soi-disant Baron Von Klingenberg to be an impostor and a swindler.

From Project Gutenberg

"Au plaisir de vous revoir, Monsieur Soi-disant," she said in conclusion, and went into her room and closed the door.

From Project Gutenberg

The unfortunate Mathurin Bruneau, the soi-disant dauphin, was last year tried here, and condemned to imprisonment.

From Project Gutenberg

The soi-disant count contented himself with bowing as he took what she offered, but did not speak.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled