2007-04-15 23:28:27 · 8 answers · asked by mehdi h 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Odd that everyone so far has only listed ONE of the meanings. Yes, it can express skepticism or disagreement (the notion that though people may call it that, the name is inaccurate or inappropriate). But it also may be used simply to identify what the common or popular name of something is, without expressing ANY doubt or disagreement. See the following entry from dictionary.com
1. called or designated thus: the so-called Southern bloc.
2. incorrectly called or styled thus: so-called intellectuals.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/so-called
synonyms:
alleged, commonly named, pretended, professed, purported, self-styled, supposed
compare http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/so-called
2007-04-16 05:42:34 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alleged
2007-04-16 06:30:52 · answer #2 · answered by pas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can indicate that you don't agree with the term generally or specifically used for something, and that you prefer a term of your own, even though you know your term is non-standard.
I don't like the term 'Gold' for a bank account which pays 2.5% interest per annum, and requires 3 weeks' notice for a withdrawal. To me, that is a 'Dustbin' account. I would therefore say 'That so-called Gold Account.....'.
2007-04-16 06:47:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"so-called" would mean "alleged" and if you say "this so-called bird keeps attacking my neighbors" its refering to a bird that someone else believes in but you really don't think exists or is doing the action. Its usually used sarcastically
2007-04-16 06:32:11 · answer #4 · answered by Bammy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alleged.
2007-04-16 06:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Supposed; doubtful; suspect: these are some of the meanings of 'so-called'.
When someone or something is stated to be 'so-called', it means that what is claimed about that person or thing is in doubt or is suspect.
2007-04-16 06:49:29 · answer #6 · answered by greenhorn 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ex: "my so-called best friend"
it means she's termed as your best friend but doesn't act like one. like, someone is labelled for something but not doing his/her act or job.
2007-04-16 06:31:29 · answer #7 · answered by I'm his Winona 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ëso-Ëcalled adjective
wrongly described or named in such a way
Example: Your so-called friends have gone without you!
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[Origin: 1650–60]
Synonyms: alleged, suppos-ed, pretended, professed, purported.
2007-04-16 06:48:32 · answer #8 · answered by Hamish 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋