自称

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 自称 is read as じしょう and is a noun placed directly before a claimed title, as in 自称探偵 and 自称専門家, without の.
• Basic usage: It signals that a status or expertise is claimed by the person and may not be independently established.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Direct modifier
  • The examples use 自称探偵 and 自称専門家, attaching the word directly to each title without の.
• Speaker stance
  • Both examples use it with skepticism rather than as neutral confirmation of the title.