What does per se mean?

'per se' in latin and means 'by itself' or 'of itself' = inherently

Per se is not a term that will have a literal definition but this is closest way to "describe" Per Se. It is used after a group of Words to ensure that you, the writer/speaker, knows the clause that comes before Per Se is not true or not to be taken seriously Word for Word. You are telling the reader/listener that you dont take that clause literally either. Basically, it shows that the previous phrase was similar to an expression. Or, it could mean that the previous phrase was an exaggeration, expression, or sarcasm.