Soi-disant (en. So-called)

/swa.di.zɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

adjective

Refers to someone who claims to have a quality, title, or identity that they do not actually possess.

He is a so-called expert in the field, but he has no experience.

Il est soi-disant expert en la matière, mais il n'a aucune expérience.

Indicates a baseless claim.

She is a so-called artist, but her works have never been exhibited.

Elle est soi-disant artiste, mais ses œuvres n'ont jamais été exposées.

Composed of 'soi', which refers to the person themselves, and 'disant', the present participle of the verb 'dire' (to say).

so-called expert

An expert who claims to be one without proof of their skills.

soi-disant expert

so-called friend

A friend who claims to have a close relationship when that is not the case.

soi-disant ami

so-called specialist

A specialist who proclaims themselves as such without qualification.

soi-disant spécialiste

pretense

The act of claiming something, often without right.

prétention

illusory

Which has no reality, belonging to an illusion.

illusoire

false identity

An identity that is not real or verified.

fausse identité

Pretends to be someone else.

He is a so-called millionaire, but he lives in a small apartment.

Il est soi-disant millionaire, mais il vit dans un petit appartement.

Claims something exaggerated about oneself.

She is said to be the best singer, but no one has heard her.

Elle est soi-disant la meilleure chanteuse, mais personne ne l'a entendue.