socalled

So-called is an English compound adjective used to indicate that a label or description attached to something or someone is widely used but may be disputed, questionable, or considered by the author to be inadequate or pejorative.

Etymology and form: The word combines so and called, reflecting a label that is spoken or written in common usage but not necessarily accepted as accurate. The modern standard form in most varieties of English is the hyphenated so-called when used attributively or predicatively before a noun, as in the so-called experts or these are the so-called authorities. Some informal contexts may appear without a hyphen, but the hyphenated form is preferred in formal writing.

Usage and connotations: So-called is commonly used to signal skepticism, irony, or critique of a name, category, or classification. It can preface a dispute about legitimacy, authenticity, or quality. In some cases, the term is neutral and descriptive, but it frequently conveys a subtle judgment that the label is contested or not universally accepted. Style guides vary in how strongly they discourage or permit its use; many advise using it sparingly when the label is clearly dubious or controversial.

Cultural references and proper nouns: The sequence socalled also appears as a proper noun in some cases, notably as the stage name of Socalled, a Montreal-based musician known for blending hip hop with klezmer influences. In this usage, it functions as a conventional name rather than as a critique of a description.

See also: pejorative, rhetorical devices, labeling.