"You can say that again" is a popular phrase used to express strong agreement with what someone has just said. It's a way of emphasizing that the speaker believes something to be very true or accurate, to the point where they feel it would be worth repeating. For instance, if one person remarks, "This has been an exceptionally cold winter," another might respond, "You can say that again!" to underscore their shared sentiment about the weather's severity.

In short:

• It is used to express strong agreement with a statement.
• It implies that the statement is so true it bears repeating.

What Does "You Can Say That Again" Mean?

The phrase "you can say that again" signifies strong agreement with a statement or opinion expressed by someone else. It suggests that the speaker concurs so completely with what has been said that they feel the statement is worth repeating for emphasis. This phrase is often used in conversations to express shared feelings, beliefs, or observations. It can be deployed in casual and formal discussions, making it a versatile tool for emphasizing agreement.

More about the phrase's meaning:

• It is a form of verbal nodding, indicating that the speaker resonates with the sentiment expressed.
• While it literally invites repetition, it is rarely expected that the statement will actually be repeated.
• It is commonly used in English-speaking cultures around the world.
• Similar expressions include "I couldn't agree more" and "Exactly."

Where Does "You Can Say That Again" Come From?

The origins of "you can say that again" are somewhat murky, but it likely emerged in the early 20th century as a colloquial way of expressing agreement. The phrase embodies the English language's capacity for understatement and irony, as it uses the notion of repetition to highlight a statement's truth without the expectation of actual repetition.

10 Examples of "You Can Say That Again" in Sentences

Here are ten examples to illustrate how "you can say that again" can be used in different contexts:

• After watching the stunning sunset, she remarked, "That was beautiful," and he responded, "You can say that again."
• "This exam was incredibly tough," moaned one student. "You can say that again," agreed another.
• At the end of the marathon, one runner said to another, "That was the hardest thing I've ever done." "You can say that again," came the exhausted reply.
• "This cake is delicious," said one guest. "You can say that again!" exclaimed the host, pleased with the compliment.
• "I'm so tired of this rain," complained her friend. "You can say that again," she agreed, looking out the window.
• "This book is a real page-turner," he observed. "You can say that again. I couldn't put it down!" she responded.
• "She had a momentary lapse in judgment when she agreed to go out with him." "You can say that again; he turned out to be a jerk and a liar."
• Discussing the movie, one said, "That was an epic plot twist." "You can say that again! I did not see that coming," replied the other.
• "He shot himself in the foot when he insulted his boss." "You can say that again. He ruined his chances of getting a promotion and a raise."
• "He's been an incredible mentor to me," she reflected. "You can say that again. He's helped so many people," added her colleague.

Examples of "You Can Say That Again" in Pop Culture

This phrase is also quite prevalent in pop culture, frequently appearing in dialogues where characters express agreement or shared sentiment.

Let's look at some examples:

• In the book "You Can Say That Again: A Compendium of Quotations" by J. Mark Jordan, various influential phrases are highlighted, reflecting quotes and comments from the author's ministry and others.
• Rob Jones captures a dynamic moment in his quote: “You can say that again,” Scarlet said. “Did you see the way he trounced that goon? I’ve never seen him fight like that before."
• The song "You Can Say That Again" by Brotherhood of Man revolves around the theme of repetitive conversations and the nuances of communication, expressed through catchy lyrics and memorable tunes.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "You Can Say That Again"

Here are some alternative phrases that convey the same meaning:

• I couldn't agree more
• Exactly
• Absolutely
• Definitely
• Without a doubt
• No kidding
• That's for sure
• Spot on
• Right on the money
• Tell me about it

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "You Can Say That Again":

• What does "you can say that again" imply?

It implies strong agreement with a previous statement, suggesting that the sentiment is so accurate it warrants repetition.

• Is "you can say that again" formal or informal?

It is generally considered informal and is most often used in casual conversations.

• Can "you can say that again" be used in written communication?

Yes, but it's more common in informal written contexts, such as emails or messages between friends.

• Does using "you can say that again" require the statement to be repeated?

No, the phrase is used figuratively to express agreement, not to request an actual repetition.

• Is it appropriate to use "you can say that again" in professional settings?

While it's more casual, it can be used in professional settings in a light-hearted or agreeable context.

• How does "you can say that again" differ from "I agree"?

"You can say that again" adds emphasis to the agreement, suggesting strong concurrence, while "I agree" is a straightforward acknowledgment.

• Can "you can say that again" be considered sarcastic?

In certain contexts, it could be used sarcastically to imply that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be said again.

• Is "you can say that again" used globally?

Yes, it's understood and used in English-speaking countries around the world.

• Can this phrase be used to express agreement with negative statements?

Yes, it can be used to agree with both positive and negative statements, emphasizing shared sentiment.

• How can I use "you can say that again" in a sentence?

Use it to express strong agreement, for example: "This has been the longest week ever." "You can say that again!"

Final Thoughts About "You Can Say That Again"

The phrase "you can say that again" is a useful linguistic tool for emphasizing agreement or shared sentiment in conversations. It's versatile, fitting into various contexts, from casual chats to moments of strong emotional resonance. Its ability to underscore agreement makes it a popular choice in spoken and written English.

Wrapping it up:

• It's a colloquial way to express strong agreement or affirmation.
• Though informal, it can be used in a wide range of contexts.
• The phrase enriches communication by adding emphasis and shared understanding.
• It's recognized and utilized in English-speaking cultures globally.