The common phrase "so to say" is used to indicate that what one is saying is not to be taken literally. The correct spelling of this phrase is "so to say" with the stress on the first syllable of "say." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /səʊ tə seɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with the diphthong /eɪ/. The phrase is often mispronounced as "so to speak," but the correct spelling should always be used.
"So to say" is an adverbial phrase commonly used in spoken language to indicate that a particular expression or statement is not to be taken literally, but rather as a figure of speech or as a way to convey a general idea or concept. It serves to create a sense of informality and to soften the impact of what is being said.
The phrase is often used as a verbal crutch or as a way to clarify that the speaker is using a certain term or phrase to approximate or represent something, rather than stating it exactly. It is typically employed to imply that the speaker acknowledges that their wording may not be entirely precise, but serves as a convenient way to communicate a given thought or notion.
For example, if someone were to say, "He's a walking encyclopedia, so to say," it means that the person being referred to possesses a vast knowledge or expertise in a particular subject, though not necessarily literally being an encyclopedia. The phrase "so to say" demonstrates that the speaker recognizes the figurative nature of the expression they have used.
Overall, "so to say" acts as a linguistic device to signal that the speaker intends to convey a meaning or idea that may not be strictly accurate or exact, but rather a metaphorical or approximate representation.