Ditto Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 15, 2024 by Isabella Claire

The popularity of the internet, online social games and social media ushered in the use of online communication. With this new form of communication came news ways to communicate through slang terms, abbreviations and acronyms. One of the slang terms that is popularly used today is the term “ditto.”

Here you will find the meaning of this term and the information regarding its origin. You will also see its usage, related terms, and some examples of how this phrase can be properly used in an online conversation. Finally, you will see some suggestions regarding how to say this phrase differently and still convey the same meaning.

Ditto Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The term “ditto” means “the same as stated above” or “I agree with what was said.” It’s used to avoid repeating something previously mentioned and is commonly found in informal speech and writing.
Ditto Meaning
Ditto Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does Ditto Mean?

“Ditto” is a term used to indicate that something previously said applies again or equally to the current situation. It means “the same as before” or “I agree with what was just said.” It’s commonly used in informal conversations or writing to avoid repeating something unnecessarily.

Origin of Ditto

The term “ditto” has been in use since the mid-1700s as part of everyday speech. The word is derived from the Italian word “detto” meaning to say or said. The term began as a noun and gradually became the adverb that we know it to mean today. “Ditto” is one of the words that has carried over from one realm to another while maintaining the same general meaning.

Usage of Ditto

Agreement or Affirmation

Used to show you agree with or share the same sentiment as someone else.

  • Person 1: “I really enjoyed the food.”
  • Person 2: “Ditto!” (Meaning: “I also enjoyed the food.”)

Avoiding Repetition in Lists

To indicate something is the same as a previous item in a list.

Order List:

  • Apples: 3 lbs
  • Oranges: Ditto (Meaning: 3 lbs of oranges too.)

Expressing Shared Feelings

Used to indicate that you feel the same way as someone else.

  • “I’m so tired today!”
  • “Ditto.” (Meaning: “I feel tired too.”)

In Formal or Written Communication

It can appear in formal documents to avoid repeating words or phrases.

Attendance Sheet:

  • John: Present
  • Jane: Ditto (Meaning: Jane is also present.)

In Pop Culture and Media

Often used in a casual, witty way to quickly mirror someone’s opinion or statement:

  • “I can’t wait for the weekend.”
  • “Ditto.”

Related Terms to Ditto

  • Same here – A casual way to express that you feel the same as someone else.
  • Me too – A common phrase used to show agreement or shared sentiments.
  • Likewise – A slightly more formal term meaning “in the same way” or “me too.”
  • The same – Used in lists or conversation to indicate similarity or repetition.
  • Copy that – Used in casual or military-style contexts to indicate acknowledgment or agreement.
  • Agreed – A direct way to show alignment or agreement, often in discussions.
  • What they said – Used humorously to echo someone else’s opinion or statement.
  • Amen – A term often used in religious or informal settings to express strong agreement.
  • True that – A slang term indicating agreement, often used in casual conversations.
  • I second that – A phrase indicating formal or informal agreement, especially in group discussions.

Alternatives to “Ditto”

Some things you could use in place of “ditto” in all forms of your communication to mean the same thing include:

  • also
  • too
  • I agree

Examples of Ditto

In Conversations

A text exchange between two friends:

  • Friend 1: After this Christmas season is over, I am taking a long vacation.
  • Friend 2: Ditto! Work has been crazy! Yesterday no one in the store got any break at all!

An online exchange between two online game players:

  • Player 1: I am going to take a break and come back in about an hour. I need to get some dinner.
  • Player 2: Ditto. I am starving! I have not eaten since this morning.
  • Player 1: Okay, I will meet you back here in about an hour and we will finish this campaign.

In Texting, Social Posts

  • Texting Agreement
    • Friend: “That movie was amazing! 🎬🔥”
    • You: “Ditto! 😍🍿”
  • Shared Feelings
    • Friend: “I need a vacation so bad 🏖️😫”
    • You: “Ditto! 🥲✈️”
  • In Response to Good News
    • Friend: “Can’t wait for the weekend! 🎉”
    • You: “Ditto! 🙌🌞”
  • On a Social Media Post About Food
    • Post: “Nothing beats a good burger 🍔❤️”
    • Comment: “Ditto! 🍟🤤”
  • Reacting to a Workout Post
    • Post: “Killer workout today 💪🔥”
    • Comment: “Ditto! 🏋️‍♀️😅”
  • In Group Chats for Shared Plans
    • Friend: “Let’s meet at 7 for dinner? 🍽️”
    • You: “Ditto! See you all there! 😊✨”
  • Expressing Shared Excitement on an Event Post
    • Post: “Only 2 days until the concert! 🎶🤩”
    • Comment: “Ditto! Can’t wait! 🕺💃”
  • Acknowledging Similar Feelings on a Self-Care Post
    • Post: “Taking a break today for some me-time 🧘‍♀️💖”
    • Comment: “Ditto! Much needed! 🌸💆‍♀️”
  • Replying to a Compliment
    • Friend: “You looked amazing last night! ✨”
    • You: “Ditto! So did you! ❤️🥂”
  • On a Nostalgic Social Post
    • Post: “Miss those high school days! 📚😄”
    • Comment: “Ditto! Good times! 🕰️❤️”
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