What is the meaning of using quotes around certain words in automated email responses?

Summary

Using quotation marks around certain words in automated email responses typically indicates sarcasm, skepticism, or a desire to distance oneself from the conventional meaning of the term. This usage, often referred to as 'scare quotes,' can also signal non-standard, specialized, or ironic intent. Authorities like APA Style, Wikipedia, Grammarly, and Purdue OWL emphasize the importance of using such punctuation sparingly to maintain clarity, as misinterpretations are possible.

Key findings

Skepticism or Irony: Quotation marks often convey skepticism, irony, or disagreement with the common understanding of a word.
Distancing from Meaning: Writers may use quotes to distance themselves from a term's conventional interpretation or to indicate it's being used in a unique way.
Non-Standard Usage: Quotation marks can signal that a word is being used non-literally, as a nickname, or as an invented term.
Expression of Doubt: They can express doubt, uncertainty, or a lack of full agreement without direct confrontation.

Key considerations

Potential for Misinterpretation: Readers might not always understand the intended sarcasm or skepticism, leading to confusion or offense.
Clarity and Sparsity: To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to use such punctuation sparingly and ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.
Professional Tone: In formal communication, weigh the appropriateness of using quotation marks for sarcasm, as it can undermine the message's professionalism.
Alternative Phrasing: Consider whether alternative phrasing could more directly and clearly convey the intended skepticism or disagreement.

What email marketers say
10Marketer opinions

Using quotation marks around certain words in automated email responses commonly indicates sarcasm, skepticism, or disagreement. It often highlights a non-standard usage, distancing the writer from the term's conventional meaning or implying that the term is being used incorrectly. This practice signals irony, doubt, or a cautious approach to controversial or poorly defined concepts.

Key opinions

Sarcasm/Irony: Quotation marks frequently denote sarcasm or irony, indicating that the writer does not fully endorse the literal meaning of the word.
Skepticism/Disagreement: They often imply skepticism or disagreement with the conventional usage of a term, suggesting that it is being used inexactly or inappropriately.
Distance/Caution: Using quotation marks can create distance from the term's standard definition, indicating that the writer is using it in a unique or cautious way, especially if the concept is controversial.
Incorrect Usage: The writer believes the term is being used incorrectly.

Key considerations

Context Matters: The meaning of quotation marks around words heavily depends on the context of the email and the relationship between sender and recipient.
Potential for Misinterpretation: Recipients may misinterpret the intended meaning, leading to misunderstandings or offense, especially if sarcasm is not obvious.
Professionalism: In professional communication, the use of quotation marks for sarcasm or skepticism should be carefully considered, as it may undermine the tone of the message.
Alternative Phrasing: Consider alternative phrasing to convey skepticism or disagreement more clearly and directly without relying on potentially ambiguous quotation marks.

Marketer view

Email marketer from LinkedIn comments that using quotation marks in a response can be to express uncertainty or a lack of full agreement with the statement being made.

June 2024 - LinkedIn

Marketer view

Email marketers from Reddit discuss that using quotes can add sarcastic emphasis or highlight the writer's disbelief in the quoted term, often conveying a negative connotation.

April 2024 - Reddit

Marketer view

Email marketer from Grammar Girl explains that quotation marks can distance the writer from a word's conventional meaning or indicate that the term is being used in a special, non-standard way.

July 2021 - Quick and Dirty Tips

Marketer view

Email marketer from ProWritingAid notes that scare quotes serve as a signal to the reader that the writer is using a word ironically, sarcastically, or with some degree of skepticism or distance.

December 2024 - ProWritingAid

What the experts say
1Expert opinion

According to an expert from Word to the Wise, using quotation marks around a word in automated email responses suggests the writer is either skeptical of the term being used or is attempting to distance themselves from it.

Key opinions

Skepticism or Distance: Quotation marks indicate skepticism about the term's validity or the writer's desire to disassociate themselves from its meaning.

Key considerations

Context Dependent: The interpretation depends on the context of the email and the relationship between the sender and recipient.
Potential Ambiguity: The use of quotation marks can be ambiguous and may not always be interpreted as intended.
Professional Appropriateness: Consider whether this stylistic choice is appropriate for the professional tone of the communication.

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that quotation marks around a word can mean that the writer is being skeptical of the term used or is trying to distance themselves from it.

May 2023 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Documentation from APA Style, Wikipedia, Grammarly, and Purdue OWL indicates that quotation marks around certain words in automated email responses signal irony, skepticism, non-standard usage, specialized meaning, or invented terms. These 'scare quotes' suggest the writer might not fully endorse the term or views it as inexact. Clarity is emphasized, advising sparing use to avoid confusion.

Key findings

Irony/Skepticism: Quotation marks are used to express irony or skepticism regarding the quoted term.
Non-Standard Usage: They denote a non-standard, specialized, or unique meaning for a word, diverging from its ordinary definition.
Writer's Disagreement: Quotation marks indicate the writer may not fully endorse or agree with the conventional use of the term.
Indication of Scare Quotes: The use is typically referred to as 'scare quotes', implying a critical or distanced perspective.

Key considerations

Clarity: Overuse can lead to confusion, so employ quotation marks sparingly.
Context: The meaning is heavily context-dependent and may require careful consideration of the audience and purpose.
Alternative Expressions: Consider if alternative phrasing might more clearly convey the intended meaning without relying on potentially ambiguous quotation marks.

Technical article

Documentation from APA Style explains that quotation marks can indicate irony, skepticism, or other special usages that deviate from the standard or accepted meaning of a word or phrase. It is important to use them sparingly to maintain clarity.

September 2021 - APA Style

Technical article

Documentation from Wikipedia describes that 'scare quotes' are used to express skepticism or disagreement towards a term, indicating that the writer may not fully endorse its use. They suggest that the term is inexact or misused.

February 2024 - Wikipedia

Technical article

Documentation from Purdue OWL shares that quotation marks can indicate that a word is used in a nonstandard, specialized, or ironic way and to signal the use of nicknames or invented words.

August 2022 - Purdue OWL

Technical article

Documentation from Grammarly clarifies that quotation marks around a single word can indicate a unique, specialized, or non-literal usage, setting it apart from its ordinary definition. Also covers when to avoid this use.

July 2021 - Grammarly