What is a semi-quote?

Answer 1

A semi-quote mark (in the context of English punctuation) is 1: a single quote mark (') as opposed to the double quote ("). Single quotes are used to mark a quote within a quote. As in "I did not say 'never.'" 2: one of « or », used to mark a phrase that is "semi-quoted" (a tight paraphrase that contains some of the original author's words). 3: A paraphrase that closely follows the original. As in «Consider the lilies of the fields: they neither toil nor spin, but not even King Solomon in his glory was dressed as well.»

Answer 2

A semi-quote is when the exact words of someone else are used with slight modifications or additional context provided by the speaker before or after the quoted text. It is often used to paraphrase or combine ideas from multiple sources while giving credit to the original author.