on spec en · ADV
Etymology
Clipping of on speculation.
Meanings
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(not-comparable) In hope of success, using one's best guess.
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”.
1889, Banjo Paterson, Clancy of the Overflow:
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(colloquial, not-comparable) 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.
"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."
1955 October, Rex Stout, “The Next Witness”, in Three Witnesses, Bantam, published 1994, →ISBN, page 36: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.