Why Saying the Same Thing Twice is Called 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and Other Forms of Repetition in English

The phrase supercalifragilisticexpialidocious famously encapsulates the idea of saying the same thing twice, or unnecessary repetition, which occurs when a word or phrase is used repeatedly for emphasis or effect. In this article, we'll explore the various terms and techniques for repetitive speech, using examples from literature, rhetoric, and popular culture.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Among the most entertaining examples, the Oxford Dictionary defines supercalifragilisticexpialidocious as an invented word meaning 'wonderful and magnificent' or anything one likes. This exemplar of spaced repetition was popularized in the Disney movie Mary Poppins. However, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is far from the only word or phrase we might use to evoke a sense of exaggeration or whimsy.

Essential Terminology in Rhetorical Repetition

In English rhetoric, there are several terms to describe various forms of repetition. These techniques can be invaluable for stressing a point or creating a memorable effect in speech or writing.

Repetitio

A straightforward repetition of a word or phrase, as in the sentence, I went with my father and and I knew it was the last time I would go with my father. This technique emphasizes the point by repeating the word and.

Diacope

Also known as epizeuxis, diacope involves the repetition of a phrase with only one or two words between each instance. For instance, Death, be not proud, from John Donne's Venture of a Crown.

Epanalepsis

This involves the repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning and end of a statement. An example is: Lex talionis, the law of retaliation, lex talionis. Here, the phrase lex talionis is repeated at the start and end of the sentence.

Rhetoric and Popular Culture

The concept of unnecessary repetition extends beyond literature to various forms of entertainment, including stand-up comedy and TV shows. Inspired by such examples, one of the most creative and humorous nicknames pertains to a British comedian named Alan Davies, who hosts a popular show called QI (Quite Interesting).

Repitition in Comedy

During his performances on QI, Alan Davies often discussed the phenomenon of unintentional repetition. One of the subjects was a friend named Dave, who habitually repeated words and phrases inadvertently. An offhand remark about this led to the creation of the humorous nickname Dave-ja-vu.

I say everything twice, I say everything twice. They call me Dave-ja-vu, they call me Dave-ja-vu.

This clever and well-crafted moniker garnered such admiration that it was adopted as the name for a new TV channel, Dave-ja-vu, launched by Dave's television network. This exemplar demonstrates the power of words and repetition not only in literature but also in everyday communication and popular media.

Conclusion

Unnecessary repetition, omnipresent in language and literature, is vital for emphasizing a point or creating a memorable impression. From supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to the subtle use of diacope or epanalepsis, these rhetorical techniques contribute to the richness and dynamic of language. As writers, speakers, and communicators, understanding and harnessing these techniques can enhance our ability to convey ideas and leave a lasting impression.

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