What does this mean? “Read:”?
“Only on two occasions has she been in a deep enough sleep—read: drunk/passed out—”
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/SavageLove?oid=241517
(explicit)
I mean I get the basic idea, but is it commonly used? Will I be understood if I use it?
Favorite Answer
It’s an informal aside — a shortcut, a sideline commentary (sometimes snarky) in addition to the main point.
It is more commonly used in contemporary, urban language, where you can assume a certain educational level on the part of the reader. It’s not plain language.
I thnk I see it written more often than spoken, but it can be understood spoken as well among people who are used to the usage.
It would be confusing to use it with ESL students, for example…
It is kind of stilted and gets boring very quickly if you use it a lot.
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