Mister so-called X. Discourse functions and subjectification of so-called.

In this paper, I explore the usage range of the pattern Mister so-called X on the basis of internet data. In a first step I argue that framing adjectives such as so-called, alleged, and purported involve interpersonal rather than representational meaning and structure. Secondly, of the different framing adjectives, so-called is shown to be the one which has come to be used most often with dissociative affect, a development which is co-enabled by its high frequency and its lack of very strong register preferences and collocates. Finally, in a set of 88 observations of the pattern Mister so-called X collected through WebCorp [www.webcorp.org.uk], I distinguish different usage patterns and relate these in terms of subjectification.