What does "per say" mean?
Looked up in the dictionary but it just provided some sample sentences without clear elucidation. I can see one of its meanings is 'to speak frankly". Does it has other meanings that differ from "to speak frankly"?

Thanks for help.

Question

What does "per say" mean?
Looked up in the dictionary but it just provided some sample sentences without  clear elucidation. I can see one of its meanings is 'to speak frankly". Does it has other meanings that differ from "to speak frankly"?

Thanks for help.

Answer

Per se is latin and means "in and of itself".  It is used in certain specific, idiomatic contexts in casual English. I might say, "I'm not against women in politics, per se, but I would just rather see a man in a powerful position".

Answer

The word you are discussing is Per se.  It means really, truly, by nature, inherently, at its core.

It has killed multiple people without warning.  The dog is not a monster, per se.  It will turn on you at any minute.  But it has always over me.

For some reason, it is used to describe what things are not - more often than what they are.

Answer

Thanks for giving "as such" for a better understanding.

Answer

You can substitute the old Latin phrase, "per se" with "as such" in English.

I am not against reggae music, per se [as such].  I just don't like the dancing... lol