Tautology (language) facts for kids

A tautology is when you say the same thing twice, but using different words. It's like repeating an idea without adding new information. For example, saying "It's a free gift" is a tautology because all gifts are free.

Sometimes, people use tautologies by accident. This can make writing or speaking sound a bit clumsy. But other times, people use them on purpose to make a point stronger or clearer.

There are also "logical tautologies" like "Boys will be boys." These are statements that are always true. But the kind of tautology we're talking about here, in language, isn't always true. It's just about repeating words or ideas.

What the Word Means

The word "tautology" comes from ancient Greek. It combines two words:

• tautós which means "the same"
• lógos which means "word" or "idea"

So, "tautology" literally means "the same word" or "the same idea." The word first appeared in English in the 1500s.

Examples of Tautologies

Here are some fun examples of tautologies:

• "Only time will tell if we stand the test of time." (from a Van Halen song)
• "After we change the game it won't remain the same." (from a Blackalicious song)
• "That tautological statement has repeated an idea."
• A funny poem:

  Who was born on the day of his birth.

  He got married, they say

  On his wife's wedding day,

  And died when he quitted the earth."

• "A forget-me-not, to remind me to remember not to forget." (from a Benny Hill song)
• Assless chaps: Chaps are already separate leg coverings. If they were joined, they'd be trousers!
• "...und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, dann leben sie noch heute" (and if they are not dead, then they are still alive today). This is a traditional German way to end a fairy tale.
• Former alumni: The word "alumni" already means people who used to be students or members.
• Wandering planet: The word "planet" comes from a Greek word that means "wanderer."
• "If you know, you know." This is a common English phrase.
• "What's for you won't go by you." This is a Scottish saying.

Common Abbreviations That Repeat Themselves

Sometimes, we use abbreviations where the last word is already part of the abbreviation's meaning. This is a type of tautology!

• ATM machine (ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine)
• COVID disease (COVID stands for COronaVIrus Disease)
• DVD disc (DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc)
• EDM music (EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music)
• GPS system (GPS stands for Global Positioning System)
• HIV virus (HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• ICBM missile (ICBM stands for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile)
• ISBN number (ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number)
• LCD display (LCD stands for Liquid-Crystal Display)
• PIN number (PIN stands for Personal Identification Number)
• Please R.S.V.P. (R.S.V.P. stands for Répondez s'il vous plaît, which means "Please respond")
• RAT test (RAT stands for Rapid Antigen Test)
• SARS syndrome (SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
• SSD drive (SSD stands for Solid-State Drive)
• UPC code (UPC stands for Universal Product Code)
• VIN number (VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number)
• VIP person (VIP stands for Very Important Person)

Why Do People Use Tautologies?

Sometimes, people use tautologies on purpose to make something stand out. For example, a "free gift" might be said to really emphasize that you don't have to pay anything or do anything in return. It makes sure there are no hidden rules.

However, most of the time, tautologies are used by accident. Phrases like "mental telepathy" or "small dwarfs" are examples. Telepathy is always mental, and dwarfs are always small. Saying "physical telepathy" or "giant dwarfs" would be like saying the opposite of what makes sense!

See also

In Spanish: Tautología (retórica) para niños