Here's how it works:
* "Self": Refers to the person making the claim.
* "Professed": Means "declared" or "claimed," often implying a strong conviction.
Examples:
* "The self-professed expert on ancient languages" - The person claims to be an expert, but there's no official confirmation of their expertise.
* "A self-professed vegetarian" - The person claims to follow a vegetarian diet, even if others don't know for sure.
* "The self-proclaimed king of the jungle" - This is a humorous example, highlighting the often subjective nature of self-professed claims.
Key Points:
* No External Verification: Self-professed claims don't necessarily have any outside support.
* Implies Confidence: It suggests the person is confident in their own declarations.
* Can Be Used Positively or Negatively: It can be neutral, but it can also imply arrogance or a lack of evidence.
When you see "self-professed," be mindful that it's a declaration made by the individual, not a universally accepted truth.