on spec

English

Etymology

Abbreviation of on speculation.

Adverb

on spec (not comparable)

1. 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”.

2. (colloquial, business, of creating a work) With the hope of selling it, as opposed to on commission (for hire).

   I'm writing an article on spec. I hope some magazine will buy it.

   • 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."

See also

• spec script

Anagrams

• Copens, ponces