Scare quotes are used not to show someone’s exact words, but to suggest irony, doubt, or distance from a term or phrase. They let the writer hint that a word isn’t being taken literally—or that they don’t fully agree with it. For example, saying The “fresh” salad had been sitting out all day uses scare quotes around fresh to show skepticism. They tell the reader that the word doesn’t quite mean what it claims to.
Understanding how to use them properly helps you control tone, avoid confusion, and make your writing sound precise rather than dismissive.
What Are Scare Quotes?
Scare quotes are quotation marks placed around a word or phrase to show that it’s being used in a non-literal, doubtful, or ironic sense. Unlike normal quotation marks, which enclose someone’s exact words or a title, scare quotes signal that the writer wants to create distance from the term or express skepticism.
They’re called “scare” quotes because they alert the reader to treat the word cautiously—as if it comes with a warning.
Examples:
- She said she was “too tired” to help.
- The report described the plan as a “success.”
- They launched a “revolutionary” new feature that looks exactly like the old one.
In each case, the quotation marks don’t show speech. Instead, they suggest that the writer questions the truth, accuracy, or sincerity of the quoted word.
Scare quotes are common in commentary, opinion writing, and informal communication. They can add a touch of humor or irony—but they also require care. Used sparingly, they clarify tone. Used too often, they make writing sound skeptical or mocking.
The Purpose of Scare Quotes in Writing
Writers use scare quotes to shape how readers interpret a word—not just to question its truth, but to control tone. They help signal irony, skepticism, or distance from an idea without openly stating disagreement.
One of their main purposes is to suggest doubt or soft disagreement in a subtle way. For example, The manager said the delay was due to “unexpected circumstances.” Here, the writer hints that the circumstances might not have been so unexpected after all.
Scare quotes can also express irony or sarcasm, often highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality. Example: They promised a “transparent” process, but no one could access the records.
In other cases, they’re used to distance the writer from a label they don’t personally endorse.
Example: Some critics call it “art,” others see it as self-promotion.
In short, scare quotes let writers convey tone without breaking formality. They allow you to question a term’s accuracy or intention while maintaining an objective voice. Scare quotes are useful in commentary, essays, and journalism.
Scare Quotes vs. Regular Quotation Marks
Though scare quotes and regular quotation marks look the same, they serve completely different purposes in writing.
Regular quotation marks are used to show someone’s exact words or to mark titles of short works. They are neutral and factual. Example: She said, “We’ll meet after lunch.” Here, the quotation marks simply show what the person said—no opinion or doubt is implied.
Scare quotes, on the other hand, are used to show irony, doubt, or distance from a word or phrase. The writer isn’t quoting speech but hinting that the term shouldn’t be taken literally. Example: The meal was served “fresh” after being reheated twice. The quotation marks here express skepticism—the writer doesn’t believe the food was truly fresh.
Examples of Scare Quotes in Sentences
Each example below shows how scare quotes shift the tone. Without them, the sentences would sound straightforward. With them, they carry irony, doubt, or mild criticism.
- The “fresh” salad had been sitting out for hours.
(Shows skepticism — the salad isn’t really fresh.) - He’s an “expert” on every topic after watching two videos online.
(Adds sarcasm — the person isn’t truly an expert.) - They called it a “temporary” solution, but it lasted three years.
(Shows irony — the word doesn’t match reality.) - The company introduced a “new” feature that looked exactly the same as before.
(Expresses doubt — the change isn’t genuine.) - The “special” offer ended up costing more than the regular price.
(Reveals contradiction — the term is misleading.)
When (and When Not) to Use Scare Quotes
Scare quotes can make writing more expressive when used with care. They help you show distance from a word or highlight irony without having to spell it out. But when used too often, they can confuse readers or make your tone sound insincere.
You can use scare quotes when you want to:
- Express skepticism — to show that a word doesn’t fully match reality.
The project was declared “complete,” even though testing hadn’t started. - Signal irony or sarcasm — to hint that you mean the opposite of what’s written.
He’s the team’s “fastest” runner, though he always finishes last. - Show distance — when quoting a label, phrase, or term you don’t personally agree with.
The politician blamed “fake news” for the controversy.
However, avoid scare quotes when your goal is clarity or neutrality. In academic, business, or formal writing, they can make your tone seem doubtful or unprofessional.
Examples of overuse: The “plan” will “improve” results. (Sounds sarcastic and unclear.)
Scare Quotes in Journalism and Media Writing
Scare quotes appear frequently in journalism and media because they let writers report language without endorsing it. When a publication wants to show that a word or phrase comes from someone else—and may not be entirely accurate or neutral—it’s often placed in quotation marks.
Example: The mayor defended the city’s “success” in managing waste disposal.
Here, the quotation marks tell readers that “success” is the mayor’s term, not the journalist’s. It creates distance between the writer and the statement, signaling that the claim is subjective or debatable.
Journalists also use scare quotes to handle controversial or disputed terms—for example, “fake news,” “patriot,” or “reform.” This allows them to reference public language without appearing biased.
However, when overused, scare quotes can make reporting seem cynical or unclear. They can blur whether the writer questions the claim or simply quotes it. Good journalistic style uses them only when the meaning or credibility of a word genuinely needs to be questioned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are scare quotes in writing?
Scare quotes are quotation marks used to show irony, doubt, or distance from a word or phrase. They signal that the writer doesn’t fully agree with or believe the term. Example: The “fresh” juice was poured from a carton.
How are scare quotes different from regular quotation marks?
Regular quotation marks show exact words someone said or wrote. Scare quotes, however, comment on meaning—they suggest skepticism or irony. Example:
She said, “I’m fine.” (direct quote)
The meeting was “productive.” (scare quotes showing doubt)
When should I use scare quotes?
Use them only when you want readers to question the accuracy or sincerity of a word or phrase. They fit well in informal or opinion writing but are best avoided in academic or professional work.
Are scare quotes considered bad writing?
Not necessarily. When used carefully, they can add subtle tone or clarify that a term is used loosely. Overusing them, however, can make writing sound sarcastic, uncertain, or biased.
Should I use italics instead of scare quotes?
Yes—if your goal is emphasis rather than irony. Use italics to draw attention to a word without suggesting skepticism. Example: The term sustainability has gained wide attention.