soi-disant

American  

[swa-dee-zahn] / swa diˈzɑ̃ /

adjective

French.

1. calling oneself thus; self-styled.

2. so-called or pretended.

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soi-disant British  

/ swadizɑ̃ /

adjective

1. so-called; self-styled

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Etymology

Origin of soi-disant

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. ) )

Example Sentences

But in at least some corners of this movement — soi-disant “Gorpcore,” as in the hiker’s snack — there is no piece like the fleece, and no fleece like Sandy Liang’s.

From New York Times

Kissinger’s soi-disant “realist” foreign policy, which remains influential today, is little more than ruthless realpolitik that deems the imperial projection of American military power beneficent by virtue of it being American.

From Salon

The soi-disant Land of the Free and Home of the Brave has a long and iniquitous history of overthrowing democratically elected leftist governments and propping up right-wing dictators in their place.

From Salon

Devereux was received with well-feigned affability by the soi-disant Swedish skipper, a politeness that the sub thought fit to reciprocate, at least for the present.

From Project Gutenberg

"And how did you know who it was would be here to-night?" the soi-disant Emir demanded, turning it all over in his own mind.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled