scare quotes

Scare quotes, shudder quotes, or sneer quotes are quotations around a word or phrase to show that a term is used in a nonstandard, ironic or special sense. Can also, imply skepticism or disagreement or a opposite sense. A complete other definition means words or phrases that are quoted to scare the reader or in a political campaign to smear a opposing candidate. They also define estrangement or cause something to seem unfamiliar in a supernatural way.