on spec
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Clipping of on speculation.
Adverb
[edit]on spec (not comparable)
- In hope of success, using one's best guess.
- 1889, Banjo Paterson, Clancy of the Overflow:
- I had written him a letter which I had, for want of better
Knowledge, sent to where I met him down the Lachlan, years ago,
He was shearing when I knew him, so I sent the letter to him,
Just on spec, addressed as follows, “Clancy, of The Overflow”.
- (colloquial, business) With the hope of selling it, as opposed to on commission (for hire) or with some other likewise assured outlet for getting paid or reselling.
- I'm writing an article on spec. I hope some magazine will buy it.
- He bought the land on spec — he thinks it's likely to be rezoned commercial and subdivided.
- 1955 October, Rex Stout, “The Next Witness”, in Three Witnesses, Bantam, published 1994, →ISBN, page 36:
- "Why doubt his guilt?"
Wolfe's shoulders went up a fraction of an inch, and down again. "Divination. Contrariety."
"I see." Unger pursed his midget mouth, which didn't need pursing. "You're shooting at it on spec."