- An expression used to show strong agreement with what someone has just said.
- It implies the statement is so true it's worth repeating for emphasis.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward conversational phrase. The idea is that the statement is so accurate or relatable that hearing it again would be welcome or would reinforce its truth.
- It functions as an emphatic I agree completely.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Tell me about it!
- Ain't that the truth.
- Word. (AAVE origin, signifies agreement/truth)
- True dat. (AAVE origin, informal affirmation)
- Preach! (Often used online or humorously, implying the speaker is stating a strong truth like a preacher)
- No doubt.
- I feel you. (Expresses empathy/understanding/agreement)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuckin' A! / Fucking right!
- Damn straight!
- No shit! (Can be agreeing, or stating the obvious)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to neutral.
- Very common in casual conversation. Might be slightly too informal for very formal settings, where I agree completely or Absolutely would be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take it literally and actually repeat their statement. It's crucial to understand it's an idiom expressing strong agreement, not a request for repetition.
Examples
- Person A: Wow, it's really hot today. Person B: You can say that again!
- Person A: This project is taking forever. Person B: You can say that again.
- Person A: That movie was incredibly boring. Person B: You can say that again.
Dialogue
Person A: Trying to find parking downtown is a nightmare.
Person B: You can say that again! I circled for 20 minutes yesterday.
Person A: Exactly! It's ridiculous.
Social Media Examples
- Reply to Tweet Gas prices are insane right now.: You can say that again! 😩 #inflation #gasprices
- Comment on Post Mondays are the worst.: You can say that again. Already counting down to Friday.
- Chat: User A: This game's final boss is impossible! User B: OMG you can say that again
Response Patterns
- Usually, the person who made the original statement just nods, smiles, or makes a small sound of acknowledgement (e.g., Yeah, Right?).
- Sometimes they might reiterate the point slightly differently or add another related comment.
- The conversation typically moves on after this expression of agreement.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Minimal follow-up is usually needed, as it signals strong agreement.
- The conversation might continue along the same topic, with the second person adding their own supporting thoughts. (You can say that again! I was sweating just walking here.)
Conversation Starter
- No. It's always a response to someone else's statement.
Intonation
- Often said with enthusiasm or strong emphasis, particularly on that and again.
- Can have a slightly rising intonation at the end, but often falls with conviction.
- You can say THAT again!
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across most generations, though perhaps slightly less common among the very young who might favour alternatives like Preach or Word.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions, especially North America.