The phrase "self styled" is often used to describe someone who has named themselves or given themselves a title without any official recognition or qualifications. It is pronounced /sɛlf staɪld/ with emphasis on the second syllable. The "self" part is pronounced with the short "e" sound, while the "styled" part is pronounced with the long "i" sound. The word "styled" comes from the verb "style" and is derived from the Old French word "estile" meaning "designation, manner or mode."
Self-styled is an adjective that refers to someone who has created or adopted a particular title, description, or persona for themselves, especially without official recognition or authority. It is commonly used to describe individuals who have taken on a specific identity, role, or label without necessarily possessing the qualifications, expertise, or credentials typically associated with it.
This term often conveys a sense of self-proclaimed or self-declared status, indicating that the person has assumed a certain title or position based primarily on their own perception, preference, or personal beliefs. This self-styling may involve inventing or adopting a new name, title, or designation for oneself that may not be recognized or respected by others.
Additionally, self-styled can also hint at a self-aggrandizing tendency, suggesting that the person is attempting to create an impression of importance, expertise, or uniqueness by adopting their chosen identity. This self-imposed title or description may be used in various fields, such as academia, politics, fashion, or even on social media platforms.
It is important to note that the term self-styled does not necessarily imply deception or fraud; rather, it emphasizes the individual's self-promotion or self-assertion, often without the endorsement or validation of others or established authorities.
The word "self-styled" is a compound adjective that originated in Middle English. It is composed of two elements:
1. Self: This word can be traced back to Old English "self", which means "the identity or essential nature of a person or thing". It can also refer to a reflexive pronoun, indicating the person or thing acting upon itself. In the context of "self-styled", it is used to denote an individual acting on their own accord.
2. Styled: This word is derived from Middle English "style", which was borrowed from Old French "estile" or "estil" meaning "title" or "designation". It ultimately goes back to Latin "stilus", which originally referred to a sharp writing instrument and later took on the meaning of a writing style or manner.