What does it mean to say so to speak?

Asked by: Leonor Hilpert  |  Last update: October 12, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (74 votes)

phrase. You use so to speak to draw attention to the fact that you are describing or referring to something in a way that may be amusing or unusual rather than completely accurate.

What is an example of so to speak?

Example Sentences

I will tell you what is going on but only because you are already family, so to speak. He is not allowed to go out with his friends. His wife sits on his head, so to speak. You have passed all of your exams, so to speak, and should be expecting an offer soon.

What is the origin of the phrase so to speak?

This idiom has been widely used since the 1800s. The phrase began as “so to say” and over time was changed to the more popular “so to speak.” It was first used by those considered to be upper class as a way to apologize for speaking using what was considered to language of the lower class.

What does so stunt to speak mean?

If you are stunned by something, you are extremely shocked or surprised by it and are therefore unable to speak or do anything.

What does so speak for yourself mean?

convention. If you say 'Speak for yourself' when someone has said something, you mean that what they have said is only their opinion or applies only to them.

🔵 As It Were - So To Speak - If You Will - As It Were Meaning - So To Speak Examples - If You Will

33 related questions found

What is it called when you only talk about yourself?

Other forms: narcissistically. If you can't stop talking about yourself and obsess constantly about the way you look, you could be exhibiting narcissistic tendencies, meaning you're obsessed with yourself, especially your outside appearance.

What does the phrase you're one to talk mean?

used to say that a person should not say bad things about someone else because those same things could be said about him or her. "Those kids are no good." "You're a fine one to talk, considering all the trouble you caused when you were young."

What does too stun to speak mean?

very surprised or shocked; showing this. She was too stunned to speak. There was a stunned silence when I told them the news.

What is a rude or short way of speaking to someone?

Curt often just means "terse." In fact it comes from the Latin word curtus, which means “cut short, abridged.” But sometimes it has the added sense of being rudely short, like when you're irritated that someone's asking a foolish question so you give a brusque, curt response.

What does it mean to sit in silence?

1 the state or quality of being silent. 2 the absence of sound or noise; stillness. 3 refusal or failure to speak, communicate, etc., when expected.

Why do people start a sentence by saying so?

Some people start a sentence with "so" to indicate that the listener is a bit of a simpleton, so the speaker will use appropriately uncomplicated words. If this is so, more people should be annoyed. "So" may also indicate that the speech that follows has been rehearsed.

What does so as we speak mean?

(to be doing something) as we speak: (to be in the middle of doing something) at this exact moment, right now idiom. They are looking for a solution to this problem as we speak. They are trying to solve the problem right now.

What does so touching mean?

: having a strong emotional effect : causing feelings of sadness or sympathy. Their story was deeply/very touching.

Is the phrase so to speak or sort of speak?

When you use an expression that is not meant entirely literally, or is slang or informal, you may follow it with “so to speak” or “in a manner of speaking.” It is most appropriately used to acknowledge that you have just expressed an idea in an unusual fashion.

Do you put a comma before so to speak?

You should only use a comma before so when so is acting as a coordinating conjunction or a filler word. For all other parts of speech, no comma is necessary.

What is the meaning of the word metaphorically?

Something is metaphorical when you use it to stand for, or symbolize, another thing. For example, a dark sky in a poem might be a metaphorical representation of sadness. You'll find yourself using the adjective metaphorical all the time if you take a poetry class; poems are usually full of metaphors.

How do you shut down a rude person?

The next time you encounter rude behavior, try the following:
  1. Don't take it personally. The key to keeping your cool when treated poorly is this: it's not about you. ...
  2. Pause, and take a breath. ...
  3. Ask questions -- show your concern. ...
  4. Don't sweat the small stuff. ...
  5. State your view. ...
  6. Find a space for compassion.

What is a fancy word for rude person?

On this page you'll find 279 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to rude, such as: abusive, blunt, boorish, coarse, crude, and ignorant.

How do you address a rude person?

When you need to address rudeness, talk to the offender somewhere private. Stay calm and objective as you outline the facts as you know them, explain the negative impact of his or her behavior and how it made other people feel, and make it clear how you want him to modify his behavior.

Why was the woman too stunned to speak?

The popular clip is from a 1998 episode of the Singapore series Crimewatch. The episode features a reenactment of a woman who has her necklace stolen while walking down the street. Melodramatic music and acting ensued after the robbery as a voice-over said, “The woman was too stunned to speak.”

What makes a person stunned?

To stun is to knock unconscious or to shock. So getting hit in the head with a softball will stun you, but hearing that your favorite band is playing at the prom will also stun you.

What does the woman was too stunned to speak mean?

TikTokers have taken the clip and are using it to describe moments where they themselves were "too stunned to speak." They write the thing they are "stunned" about on the video of them reacting to anything from relationship problems to food choices, looking at the camera and reacting.

What is it called when one person is talking?

Soliloquy is sometimes wrongly used where monologue is meant. Both words refer to a long speech by one person, but a monologue can be addressed to other people, whereas in a soliloquy the speaker is always talking to himself or herself.

Is it normal for no one to talk to you?

It's not uncommon to feel like you have no one to talk to. Everyone feels that way sometimes. You don't have to be alone to feel that way either. You could feel alone and isolated at a party, work, home, or even while spending time with friends.

Does the talking stage mean you're single?

Today's young people have a newer label: the “talking stage”. It happens between being introduced to someone and officially dating, and it can involve talking or texting for days – even months. The purpose of this stage is to have the opportunity to get to know someone before committing to a relationship with them.