What does so to speak mean?

"So to speak" is a phrase used to indicate that the speaker is using a figure of speech, metaphor, or an expression that might not be literally true. It acts as a disclaimer, acknowledging that the speaker is using figurative language or that their words might be interpreted in a slightly different way than intended.

Here are some common ways "so to speak" is used:

* To soften a statement: "He was, so to speak, drowning in paperwork." This implies that the person wasn't literally drowning, but was overwhelmed with work.

* To make a statement more colorful: "The party was a real zoo, so to speak." This suggests that the party was chaotic and wild, but not necessarily that there were actual animals present.

* To add humor: "I'm just trying to make a little space, so to speak." This implies that the speaker might be being slightly sarcastic or exaggerating the situation.

Overall, "so to speak" is a way to acknowledge that the speaker is being playful with language and to avoid misunderstandings.