Everybody seems to use this expression; footballers, personalities and other vital members of our world community. It is almost as popular as 'at the end of the day'. Why and when did this strange synonym become part of everyday conversation?
2006-10-03 05:27:16 · 13 answers · asked by veitchy58 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
so to speak
2006-10-03 05:29:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a Latin term meaning "as such", "of itself" or even "actual/actually". It is much used by lawyers and it is a mystery how it has spread to the general public, as you so rightly observe. I have noticed that when people pepper their speech with this expression in the liberal way that you describe, they usually seem to get it wrong! The irony is, that as the public adopts this expression that used to be confined to the courts, lawyers in England and Wales have been told to cut out all the Latin expressions which used to be so commonly used and replace them with English ones, or run the risk of disciplinary action!
2006-10-03 12:48:04 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Per se is a Latin phrase used in English arguments. Originally it means "in, of, or by itself"[1], "in its own right"[2]. If one is talking about something per se, he is ignoring all surrounding details or possible situations; it is just in consideration of the object by itself.
It also makes you sound pretty well-read
2006-10-03 12:31:24 · answer #3 · answered by Jen M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Per se is a Latin phrase used in English arguments.
Originally it means "in, of, or by itself", "in its own right".
If one is talking about something per se, he is ignoring all surrounding details or possible situations; it is just in consideration of the object by itself.
An example of common usage:
"It's not that singing 'happy birthday' is bad per se, it's just that you shouldn't have been singing it at the funeral."
Seeped into English language from Latin!
Been around a looooong time!
2006-10-03 12:31:34 · answer #4 · answered by Lorraine R 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
per se = only/something in particular
its usually used at the end of a sentence
2006-10-03 12:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by Cat Commander 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
per se (phrase) is a Latin phrase used in English arguments
per se (Restaurant) is a restaurant in New York City
Illegal per se is the legal usage of 'per se'
Negligence per se legal use in tort law
2006-10-03 12:33:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
'As such' is sometimes used instead; similar in meaning is 'of itself'. It is a useful phrase.
'At the end of the day' is a thoroughly over-used expression, which could usefully be banned.
2006-10-03 12:39:15 · answer #7 · answered by Rozzy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By itself
2006-10-03 13:10:46 · answer #8 · answered by Mag999nus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so to speak would be the easier phrase but people feel better wen they say per"se,
2006-10-03 12:34:30 · answer #9 · answered by tezzmania 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Per se is in latin and means "default", by its self, by one's self, by origin.
Ciao.John-John.
2006-10-03 13:51:05 · answer #10 · answered by John-John 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It basicly means "sorta".
For an example; It's not that the weather is bad per se, but I just don't like rain.
2006-10-03 12:40:17 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋