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[1224] I second that

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Means I agree with the statement or opinion that was just expressed.
  • It signifies support for what someone else has said.

Origin

  • Comes from formal meeting procedures, specifically parliamentary procedure (like Robert's Rules of Order).
  • When someone makes a motion (a formal proposal), another person must second it (formally support it) before it can be discussed or voted on.
  • The phrase moved into general usage to mean simple agreement.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • I agree.
  • Me too.
  • Same here.
  • I concur. (More formal)
  • Ditto. (Informal)
  • Hear, hear! (Expressing strong approval, often in response to a speech/point)
  • You can say that again. (Informal agreement)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Word.
  • True dat.
  • Big mood. (Online slang, relating to a feeling/statement)
  • +1 (Online/tech slang for agreement)
  • This. (Online slang, pointing to the previous statement as correct/important)
  • Preach.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Fuck yeah. / Hell yeah. (Expressing strong enthusiastic agreement)
  • Damn right.

Milder/Standard/Formal:

  • I agree completely.
  • I share that opinion.
  • My thoughts exactly.
  • I concur.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Ranges from informal to semi-formal.
  • Perfectly fine in everyday conversation, social settings, and most work environments.
  • Its origin is formal, so it doesn't sound out of place in slightly more formal discussions, though I concur or I agree might be used in very formal settings.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Unlikely to be misunderstood. Its meaning is quite clear and direct. Learners might just not be aware of its origin in formal procedure.

Examples

  • Person A: I think we should order pizza tonight. Person B: Ooh, I second that!
  • Person A: That was a fantastic presentation, Sarah. Person C: I second that, really well done.
  • Person A: We need a vacation. Person B: I second that motion. (Playfully referencing the origin)

Dialogue

Chris: This coffee shop makes the best lattes.

Dana: I second that! Their oat milk latte is amazing.

Chris: Totally! Let's grab one now?

Dana: Good idea.

Social Media Examples

  • Comment on a post: User A: This band's new album is their best yet! User B: I second that! Been on repeat all week.
  • Reply to a tweet: User X: We need better public transport. User Y: I second that. #UrbanPlanning
  • Forum thread: Post 1: Suggesting feature X would be useful. Post 2: I second that, would love to see this implemented.

Response Patterns

  • The person whose statement was seconded might smile, nod, or say Thanks!, Glad you agree!, or See? Told you!.
  • The original speaker (if there was one before the statement being seconded) might also acknowledge the agreement.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • After agreement is shown, the conversation might move towards acting on the agreed statement (Okay, what kind of pizza then?).
  • Or, the person seconding might add their own reasons for agreement (Yeah, I've been craving pizza all week!).

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's always a response to someone else's statement or opinion.

Intonation

  • Usually enthusiastic and supportive.
  • Stress often falls on second. I SEC-ond that.
  • Can have a rising intonation suggesting excitement or a falling intonation indicating firm agreement.

Generation Differences

  • Widely used and understood across most adult age groups. Its slightly formal origin gives it a bit more weight than just Me too.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
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