Wiktionary
phr. (context idiomatic English) (non-gloss definition: used to indicate a paraphrase or the chance of an error in the details of reported speech).
Usage examples of "or words to that effect".
In a subsequent poem which I have been unable to trace, Mailer wrote that 'So long as you use a knife/There's some love left,' or words to that effect.
Today, the chairman of the board wanted to be alone with his daughter, so that he could talk to her about her screwing a Marine, or words to that effect.
Jane had assured her that it was warranted to produce any number of thrills, or words to that effect, and Anne's fingers tingled to reach out for it.
Watts says the vilest sinner may return as long as the gas-meters work well, or words to that effect.
The lance was in the rest, Sir Galahad Rumpole was about to do battle for the damsel in distress, or words to that effect.