quote unquote

The phrase "quote unquote" is often used in speech to indicate direct quotations, usually with a hint of irony or skepticism.

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Definition

B2Spoken Language

(idiomatic, informal)Used to indicate that the following words are a direct quote, often implying skepticism or irony.

Example

  • She said she's been, quote unquote, 'extremely busy.'

B2Spoken Language

(idiomatic, informal)Used to mark a phrase as someone else's words, suggesting the speaker does not endorse them.

Example

  • He claimed he was, quote unquote, 'working late.'

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "quote unquote":

air quoteindirect quotationsingle quote