etymology - What is the proper usage of "x (read y)" where y is another word/phrase for x?


I've often seen this used for humorous purposes, but I would assume it has a formal usage as well.


Example:



Mortos (read mooch) is a demon from the Spooky Realm.



As far as I can tell, it's basically used as an "aka" or "i.e." of sorts, but I didn't want to assume I knew how it worked, and start throwing around all the time while people shake their heads at me silently. I had no idea how to search for this, so I'm hoping somebody can tell me what this is called as well.



Answer



It's informally referred to as a parenthetical read (also discussed here).


In some contexts, it's a form of videlicet.


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