Ditto Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ditto
[ˈdɪtoʊ ]
Definition
agreement, repetition
Ditto is an informal term used to indicate that something previously stated is also applicable to the current situation or to agree with what has been said. It is derived from the Italian word 'ditto', which means 'said' or 'mentioned'. This term is commonly used in casual conversation and is often employed to mean 'same here' or 'me too'. The word can also be employed to refer to a copy or duplicate of something.
Synonyms
equally, likewise, same, similarly.
Examples of usage
- I enjoyed the movie; ditto for my friends.
- The pasta was great, and ditto for the dessert!
- I agree with her opinion, ditto for everyone else in the room.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the 1980s, 'ditto' gained more popularity through the film 'Ghost', where the phrase represented romantic agreement.
- The word has appeared in various songs and media as a catchy way to express shared sentiments.
- It’s commonly used in social media to convey agreement with memes or posts.
Linguistics
- Functions as a conversational time-saver, helping to reduce repetition in discussions.
- Can also act as a discourse marker, signaling alignment in a conversation.
- The informal nature of 'ditto' makes it a friendly and quick way to express consensus.
Psychology
- Using 'ditto' can create a sense of belonging, as it indicates agreement and shared opinions.
- It reflects social dynamics; people often prefer to align themselves with others' views to maintain harmony.
- In group settings, agreement via 'ditto' helps strengthen social bonds by affirming shared ideas.
Education
- In classroom settings, teachers might encourage the use of 'ditto' to foster discussion and reinforce shared ideas.
- It is sometimes taught as a language simplifier, helping students avoid redundancy in communication.
- The word supports collaborative learning, where students often echo each other's thoughts to build understanding.
Origin of 'ditto'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Italian word 'detto', which means 'said' or 'the said one'.
- First used in English in the 17th century, often in written lists to indicate repetition.
- The term can signify agreement, often replacing the need to repeat a phrase or statement.
The word 'ditto' originates from the Italian word 'detto', which means 'said' or 'to say'. It was integrated into English in the late 17th century as a way to express agreement or repetition of a prior statement. Its initial use was in referencing repeated items in lists, where it was used to avoid repeating the same word or phrase, enhancing clarity and conciseness. Over time, 'ditto' evolved into a more general expression of concurrence and affirmation among speakers. The term became popular in informal contexts, leading to its current status as a common expression in everyday speech. Its usage in texting and online communication has further cemented its relevance in modern language.