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

Example Sentences

They produce and organize the so-called extracellular matrix, a network of proteins such as collagen, which makes the tissue stable and elastic, but also perform many other tasks.

From Science Daily

For example, by giving money to countries such as Syria, it’s possible to tackle the so-called “root causes” of migration so there’s less need for refugees to flee.

From BBC

For goalkeeper Scurry, the introduction of the first women's football league was a direct impact of the so-called 99ers' success.

From BBC

“Enough is enough. The state’s voters continue to support so-called progressive policies, but are drawing the line when it impacts their cost of living or quality of life.”

From Los Angeles Times

Although the species was probably not the common ancestor to all ecdysozoans, the authors note, the discovery contributes a significant addition to our understanding of the diversity of life before the so-called Cambrian explosion.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• alleged
• formal
• purported
• self-styled