quote unquote
So-called, with skepticism
Quote unquote signals that the speaker is using someone else's words or using a term with skepticism or irony.
In speech, it functions like air quotes—marking distance from the phrase that follows: He's quote unquote "taking a break" from work.
The expression can precede or surround the quoted material, and sometimes appears as quote-unquote.
It often implies the speaker doubts the accuracy or sincerity of the term being quoted.
Labeled with skepticism
- allegedClaimed but unproven
- supposedAssumed to be true
- purportedClaimed without proof
- ostensibleStated but questionable
doubtful · questionable · dubious · nominal · distancing · disbelief · suspicion · incredulity
Expressed in words aloud
- conversationalRelating to informal dialogue
- informalRelaxed, not official
- casualRelaxed and informal
- verbal ticHabitual spoken mannerism
filler phrase · hedge · qualifier · everyday speech · chitchat · off-the-cuff · unscripted · oral
Pressure, mental or vocal
- underscoreLow horizontal text mark
- highlightMost notable part
- accentuateTo give emphasis
- emphasizeStress the importance of
point out · signal · flag · mark · indicate · foreground · spotlight
Mockingly insincere in tone
- mockingScornfully imitating or ridiculing
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- wryDryly mocking in tone
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
faux · pseudo · pretend · euphemistic · understated · knowing · eye-roll · disdain
so-called
Labeled with skepticism
ostensible · doubtful · questionable · dubious · nominal · distancing · disbelief · suspicion · incredulity · misgivings
spoken
Expressed in words aloud
- conversationalRelating to informal dialogue
- informalRelaxed, not official
- casualRelaxed and informal
verbal tic · filler phrase · hedge · qualifier · everyday speech · chitchat · off-the-cuff · unscripted · oral · idiomatic
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- underscoreLow horizontal text mark
- highlightMost notable part
- accentuateTo give emphasis
emphasize · point out · signal · flag · mark · indicate · foreground · spotlight
sarcastic
Mockingly insincere in tone
tongue-in-cheek · faux · pseudo · pretend · euphemistic · understated · knowing · eye-roll · disdain · contempt
quote unquotegenuinely
In a real manner
truly · sincerely · authentically · really · honestly
quote unquoteflat out
Totally, without reservation
plainly · straightforwardly · outright · simply · point blank
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