if its different how can it be the same ?
2007-12-13 22:13:49 · 26 answers · asked by ♥BEX♥ 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
They are the SAME family but one has a w..ly so that's the DIFFERENCE!
2007-12-13 22:37:47 · answer #1 · answered by nanny chris w 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The literal meaning is easy. The basic meanings of same, ‘identical to or agreeing with’, and difference, ‘unlikeness; dissimilarity’, are just what you’d expect. But when you use same difference together, you’re not comparing two things; you’re comparing the difference that exists between one pair of things to the difference that exists between one or more other pairs. You’re saying that those differences are analogous.
But the idiomatic use of same difference, which materialized in English in the mid-1940s, is the more interesting one. You can spot the idiom because it’s an interjection–it stands alone. Same difference is a kind of conventionalized, frozen response to what you regard as a petty, irrelevant correction or some niggling distinction. Your answer is a verbal shrug, a signal of your indifference or mild annoyance.
Same difference means ’same thing; no difference’. No one can say for sure how the expression arose, but very likely it was through a blending of those two phrases.
2007-12-13 22:47:18 · answer #2 · answered by lifebeyond 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
same difference is, for example, the difference between 1 and 3 as compared to the difference between 2 and 4.
2007-12-13 22:25:15 · answer #3 · answered by Eddie D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you are right, it is an oxymoron. What it's intent was when I was growing up was the difference between the two suggestions still ended up with the same or desired result or outcome, depending on what was under discussion. I am guilty of using the expression too. Good question!!
2007-12-13 22:56:11 · answer #4 · answered by roritr2005 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the context of the brother and sister Bex it means they are the same (same as in related) but different because they are different sex. That's the way I look at it anyway!! At least they come up with a catchy name even if their singing is crap!!! xx
2007-12-14 05:20:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
because its 2 x difference
2 lots of the difference, but they are both the same
2007-12-13 22:17:00 · answer #6 · answered by mmmmyeah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love that expression. I take it to mean different situation same result.
2007-12-13 23:55:29 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
an incestuous brother and sister act who are rubbish on X Factor
Seriously it is two things that have the same outcome ie
go to Asda to get the shopping
go to Tescos to get the shopping
same difference no matter where you go - you can still get the shopping
2007-12-13 23:18:36 · answer #8 · answered by Kerry K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Nanny Chris said it for me wouldn't of quite said it like that but the meaning would of meant the same but different lol
2007-12-13 22:47:10 · answer #9 · answered by Wide Awake 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
there is no difference... if they are the same there is no difference between them. therefore same difference means there is no difference
2007-12-13 22:24:20 · answer #10 · answered by Niamh L 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋