French word

soi-disant

Pronunciation

IPA/swadizɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveso-called

Example

C'est un soi-disant ami.

He is a so-called friend.

Illustration for soi-disant (so-called)

More examples

Il se présente comme un soi-disant expert en informatique.

He presents himself as a so-called computer expert.

Core concept

A person or thing presented under a label that the speaker views with doubt.

Common phrases

  • un soi-disant ami

    a so-called friend

  • un soi-disant expert

    a so-called expert

Similar words

supposé: Generally believed to be so, but not confirmed.
prétendu: Claimed to be so by someone, but of doubtful truth.
autoproclamé: Self-proclaimed as holding a particular title or position.

Definition in French

Indique que quelqu'un ou quelque chose se présente comme tel, souvent avec une nuance de doute ou d'ironie.

Word origin

Soi-disant combines the stressed reflexive pronoun soi with disant, the present participle of dire, and literally describes saying something of oneself.

Usage tips

  • Soi-disant is normally invariable, so it remains unchanged in phrases such as un soi-disant ami and des soi-disant experts.

Other meanings

  • self-proclaimedadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word