{"id":5914,"date":"2022-09-05T15:57:25","date_gmt":"2022-09-05T15:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=5914"},"modified":"2022-09-05T15:57:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T15:57:25","slug":"say-that-again-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/say-that-again-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Say that Again \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did someone just say something offensive to you? If you find their behavior unacceptable, you could reply with 'say that again'<\/em><\/strong> to give them a chance to apologize. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression 'say that again'<\/em> refers to when you miss what other people say to you, and you want them to repeat themselves.<\/p>\n

'Say that again'<\/em> can also be an inflammatory statement, asking someone to repeat an insult so you can take action against them.<\/p>\n

It can also refer to giving a person a chance to take back an insult before you take action against them. \u2018say that again\u2019<\/em> can also serve as a confirmation statement to what other people say.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cSay that again? How many years did he spend in jail? Oh my gosh. I can\u2019t imagine what it must be like to live in that hellhole for five years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay that again. Did I hear you right? You want me to go to the store and pick you up a six-pack? You\u2019re an alcoholic. Why would I do that for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can say that again. The economy is in the toilet right now, and we\u2019re teetering on the verge of a recession. I hope I don\u2019t lose my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u2018say that again\u2019 has unknown origins. However, some language experts suggest the phrase appeared in the early 1900s. However, there is no information on its first use in print or who coined the term.<\/p>\n

Some language experts suggest the phrase appeared due to changes in behavior in children and parenting in the early 1900s. However, there is no evidence to support these claims.<\/p>\n