The phrase “quote-unquote” is used in speech to indicate that the speaker is exactly repeating someone else's words, often to emphasize or clarify that the words are not their own but are borrowed from another source. It can also be used to indicate that the speaker is using someone else's words in a way that may not be entirely accurate or truthful, or that they may not agree with.

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I think you probably heard “quote-unquote”. In this context it is a way for the speaker to indicate that the phrase following it should be considered to be in quotes by the listener. For example “quote-unquote That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Answered from JennRose

Quoting someone else's quote

Answered from Kimberly Meredith

What Is “Quote Unquote” Mean? An Ultimate Guide

Have you ever heard someone say “quote unquote” before a phrase? This informal expression is used to verbally signal that what follows should be considered a quote, without actually using quotation marks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what quote unquote means, when to use it, examples, and how it differs from actual quotations.

What is the Quote Unquote Expression?
When and Why is Quote Unquote Used?
Examples of Quote Unquote in Sentences
Differences from Actual Quotation Marks
Implying Skepticism or Distance with Quote Unquote
Indicating an Unknown Quote Source
Using Quote Unquote Sarcastically or Mockingly
Other Similar Phrases (Scare Quotes, So-Called, etc)
Is It Better to Use Actual Quotations?
Origins and Frequency of the Phrase

What is the Quote Unquote Expression?

The quote unquote phrase is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that the words following it should be regarded as a quote, even though the speaker is not providing the actual quote verbatim.

Some key things to know:

It signals a verbal quote without the quote marks.
The words themselves act as a replacement for actual quotation marks.
It's informal and much more common in spoken language and rhetoric.
In written material, actual quotation marks should be used instead.

Essentially, quote unquote is a conversational way to reference a quote without directly quoting it word-for-word, almost like shorthand for implied quotations.

It allows the speaker to reference the general idea of a quote without having to repeat it exactly. The words quote and unquote bookend the phrase that is meant to be taken as a quote.

When and Why is Quote Unquote Used?

Quote unquote is very common in spoken language, such as in conversations, speeches, oral storytelling, and other rhetorical contexts. Some reasons it may be used include:

The speaker cannot remember the precise wording of a quote, but wants to get across the general quote.
The speaker wants to reference a well-known quote, without having to repeat the whole thing verbatim.
To imply skepticism, sarcasm, or distance from the quoted material.
As a time-saving shorthand that avoids a lengthy direct quotation.
For quotes that might not have an identifiable original source.
When the actual phrasing is not as important as the gist of the quote itself.

However, in written material and published text, quote unquote should be avoided. Actual quotation marks around the quoted words should be used instead for clarity.

Examples of Quote Unquote in Sentences

Here are some examples that demonstrate how quote unquote can be used in spoken language:

The candidate said, quote unquote, that he would lower taxes if elected.
My friend was going on about her, quote unquote, soulmate after one date.
The CEO called the massive layoffs a, quote unquote, restructuring.
The “quote unquote” article claims climate change is a hoax.
He referred to himself as a, quote unquote, “stable genius” in his speech.
She prefaced her remarks by saying “quote” before the statement and “unquote” after.

These examples show how quote unquote allows a speaker to reference a quote without directly repeating it. This lets them summarize, imply skepticism, or cite an unknown source.

Differences from Actual Quotation Marks

There are some notable differences between quote unquote and actual quotation marks:

Quote unquote is informal, quotation marks are considered proper formatting.
Quotation marks accurately quote a source word-for-word. Quote unquote loosely refers to a quote.
Quote unquote is rarely used in writing, while quotation marks are standard in written works.
Quote unquote implies distance from a quote, while quotation marks do not.
Quote unquote does not require knowing the original source, unlike a proper quotation.
Quote unquote signals a verbal reference, while quotation marks indicate a verbatim citation.

In summary, quote unquote is conversational shorthand, while actual quotations should be used for accuracy in formal writing and published materials.

Implying Skepticism or Distance with Quote Unquote

One of the main purposes of using quote unquote is to imply skepticism or disagreement with a quoted phrase.

By using quote unquote, the speaker signals that they do not necessarily endorse or believe the quote. It allows them to keep an arm's length distance from the material.

For example:

The CEO called the layoffs a, quote unquote, “restructuring”. (Implies skepticism that it was an actual restructure.)
My friend said she met her, quote unquote, “soulmate”. (Implies doubt that he is really her soulmate.)
The candidate is a, quote unquote, “man of the people”. (Suggests speaker disagrees with characterization.)

This skeptical distance is one of the hallmarks of using quote unquote versus a direct quote. The speaker avoids having to endorse or flat-out disagree with a phrase by framing it as a quote.

Indicating an Unknown Quote Source

Quote unquote is also applied when the original source of a quote cannot be cited or is unknown.

In these cases, the speaker remembers the quote but cannot attribute it to a specific person or work. For example:

As the old saying goes, quote unquote, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
She said quote unquote, “Love conquers all.” I don't know where she got that quote.
He kept repeating, quote unquote, “Politics is the art of the possible.”

By using quote unquote, the speaker indicates the quote likely originated elsewhere, even if the source cannot be verified. This distinguishes it from plagiarism while still allowing reference to the quote.

Using Quote Unquote Sarcastically or Mockingly

The phrase is sometimes used sarcastically or mockingly as well, often to discredit or question a phrase.

For example:

He called the disastrous press conference quote unquote “a rousing success”.
She led the company into bankruptcy but called herself quote unquote “CEO of the Year”.
He considers himself a quote unquote “stable genius” who doesn't need advisors.

This sarcastic usage relies on the distancing and skepticism implied by quote unquote. It allows the speaker to undermine the sincerity or truthfulness of a phrase by framing it mockingly as a quote.

Other Similar Phrases (Scare Quotes, So-Called, etc)

There are a few other idiomatic expressions that function similarly to quote unquote:

Scare quotes: Putting actual quotation marks around a word or phrase to imply skepticism or disagreement with it. For example: She said she saw my “friend” kissing another girl.
So-called: Indicating that a word or phrase is improperly named or not an accurate descriptor. For example: That so-called medicine did not help my cold.
Air quotes: Using hand gestures to pantomime quotation marks around a word or phrase. This visually indicates the speaker's questioning or disbelief toward the word.

However, quote unquote is the most direct verbal substitute for adding quotations around a phrase to imply a sense of removal or doubt.

Is It Better to Use Actual Quotations?

In formal writing, published works, and situations where the precise wording matters, actual quotations with quotation marks are always preferable to quote unquote.

Quotation marks accurately indicate the speaker's words, allow for direct citation, and avoid any implied editorializing. Quote unquote is best suited for casual spoken contexts rather than official written material.

However, in rhetorical speeches, oral storytelling, and casual conversation, quote unquote can be used idiomatically as an informal shorthand. But it should typically be avoided in more formal registers of writing where accuracy is important.

Origins and Frequency of the Phrase

The quote unquote formulation first appeared in the late 1800s and had occasional use throughout the early 20th century. But it became much more widespread in spoken American English during the latter half of the 1900s.

In Google's Ngram corpus, use of “quote unquote” and variations began increasing sharply in the 1960s and '70s. It has steadily grown as a common colloquial phrase since then, though formal published use remains low.

It's difficult to quantify exactly how prevalent the phrase is in spoken language today. However, it appears frequently in American television, radio, politics, and oral storytelling as an idiomatic way to reference a quote. It has cemented itself as a rhetorical device in English, despite having no proper place in formal writing.

Conclusion

In summary, quote unquote is an informal expression used to indicate a verbal quote without directly repeating it word-for-word. This phrase signals that the following words should be regarded as a quote rather than the speaker's own words.

It allows reference to a quote without attribution, enables distancing from the content, and implies skepticism—all useful rhetorical techniques in speech and oral storytelling. However, quotation marks should be used for accuracy in writing.

Understanding what quote unquote means, when to apply it vs. actual quotes, and how to use it idiomatically can help you speak and communicate more effectively. Just be sure to think twice before using it in any formal writing!

Reference:
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quote%2C%20unquote
[2] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/quote-unquote
[3] https://www.michiganradio.org/arts-culture/2019-05-05/quote-unquote-or-when-the-written-becomes-the-spoken
[4] https://grammarist.com/phrase/quote-unquote/
[5] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/quote-unquote
[6] https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/quote-unquote-quote-unquote
[7] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quote_unquote