so-called

[ soh-kawld ]

adjective

1. called or designated thus:

   the so-called Southern bloc.

2. incorrectly called or styled thus:

   so-called intellectuals.

so-called

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of so-called¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled