Or Words To That Effect Meaning

(idiomatic) used to indicate a paraphrase or the chance of an error in the details of reported speech.

Example:   When he hit his finger with the hammer, he said "ouch" or words to that effect.
2004 August, Doug Stewart, “Shore Thing.”, Smithsonian, volume 34, number 5:
  they were beyond earshot of the American commander, Capt. James Lawrence, who implored his men: "Don't give up the ship!" (or words to that effect).