I've heard both versions ALL MY LIFE and it only just dawned on me that "Unexpected Surprise" sounds silly
--OR DOES IT?
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE between "What a surprise" and "What an unexpected surprise"?
Inquiring Minds Want To Know...
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2006-09-25 14:35:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
You're right. Logically it makes little sense. (But never does calling the water-heater "the hot-water heater."
I think "unexpected" is used here as an INTENSIFIER. "An unexpected surprise" is more surprising than a plain vanilla surprise.
2006-09-25 14:44:08 · answer #1 · answered by o41655 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If husband says to wife, "Come home from work on time tonight, honey, I've got a surprise for you," then that is an expected surprise.
A surprise you knew nothing about is an unexpected surprise.
That's the only difference I can think of.
The use of "unexpected surprise" seems redundant and irksome to me, too. I also agree with that dude about the hot water heater. I also hate when people say "ATM Machine".
2006-09-25 23:35:06 · answer #2 · answered by miguelitabonita 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If something is a surprise, you didn't see it coming. To add in the "unexpected" part means that you wouldn't have seen this coming in a million years. It is stressing the fact that this something was completely and utterly out of the blue.
Also a good way of being polite when the surprise is something you didn't want. e.g. Oh, my in-laws showed up. What an... unexpected surprise.
2006-09-25 21:42:33 · answer #3 · answered by arkev_xius 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is such a thing like an expected or unexpected surprise
like lets say your birthday is coming up so you expect some kinda surprise like getting a watch or anything small
and if you get something that cost more then $500.00 that's an unexpected surprise
2006-09-25 21:51:03 · answer #4 · answered by salsa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Susan. A surprise is by definition unexpected.
"Unexpected" is completely unneeded and used thoughtlessly and not as an "intensifier."
2006-09-26 17:19:53 · answer #5 · answered by Holly T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unexpected is redundant, meaning it is not needed.
2006-09-25 22:00:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
unexpected is that you didnt wait for it.. you didnt expect it....
Is more an english... because is very polite.. than a yank expression lol
2006-09-25 21:40:29 · answer #7 · answered by Sortilegio 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋