Ditto – Meaning, Origin and Usage

Have you ever heard the saying "ditto"? Maybe someone mentioned something and you want to say the same thing? Well, ditto means the same as what has been said before. It' like a repeat. So if you say "I agree", and they respond with "ditto," they're saying they feel the same way.This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

Meaning

Most people assume that "ditto" is another word for "same." And in some ways, they're right. The two terms can be used interchangeably in many situations. For example, if someone asks you what you had for breakfast and you ate the same thing you always do, you could say, "I had eggs and toast, ditto for you."

"Ditto" can also be used as a verb. In this case, it means repeating something someone else has said or done. For example, if your boss compliments your work on a project, you might say, "Thanks, I'll ditto that to my team." More information can be found in the video (here)

Example Usage

  • Thanks, I'll ditto that to my team.
  • She's going to wear a red dress tonight, and I'll ditto her.
  • You did a great job on that presentation, I'll ditto your comments to the team.
  • I'm going to the gym after work, ditto for you?

Origin

The English word "ditto" comes from the Italian word "ditto" or "detto," which means "the same." The Italians use this word to refer to something mentioned before. The English speakers liked this word because it was handy. They started using it in different ways. For example, they started using it as an adjective and a verb. By the early 18th century, "ditto" was also used as an adverb. As we mentioned, "ditto" can be used as a noun or a verb.

When used as a noun, it usually refers to something already mentioned. For example, if someone is listing off the items in their grocery bag and says "apples, oranges, bananas," the next item on the list would usually be "ditto." In this case, "ditto" is being used to mean "the same thing."

When it's used as a verb, it means to repeat or do something that someone else has done. In the example we mentioned, the boss might say, "I'm going to ditto that compliment to my team." This means he will tell his team the same thing he said to the person he spoke to.

Phrases Similar to Ditto

  • "Repeat": means the same thing as ditto.
  • "Copy that" is another way of saying ditto
  • "Me too" can be used in the same way as ditto.
  • "Same here": another way of saying ditto
  • "Echo" is another way of saying ditto.

Phrases Opposite to Ditto

  • "Different": the opposite of the same.
  • "Not at all": the opposite of me too.
  • "On the contrary" is a way of saying the opposite of what someone has said.
  • "Quite the opposite,” which means the complete opposite.

What is The Correct Saying?

The correct saying would be "ditto.”

Ways People May Incorrectly Say Ditto

Some people may incorrectly say "ditto" as "diddo." Others may spell it as "dito" or "ditoo." Some ways the phrase is used improperly are:

  • I want something different, so ditto on that same order.
  • Let’s go ditto on the movie tickets, that way we both save money when we go out tonight.
  • All you ever say is ditto whenever I make a comment, you are such an original.
  • Can I get ditto the amount of chips this time with my order?

Acceptable Ways to Phrase Ditto

"Ditto" is most commonly used informally. However, it can also be used formally in certain situations. For example, if you're giving a presentation and want to emphasize that something stays the same, you could say, "And ditto for the next slide."

  • Hey, did you order the burger and fries meal? Me too! A total ditto vibe!
  • That is such a great idea! Ditto for me too so we can match!

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