Same difference / Da lo mismo

Question

Same difference is one of these paradoxical expressions in the English language that I despise. It's like late fee (the fee is not late, but the payment, therefore we're imposing a fine on your account).

Same difference is such a contradiction, that although it's logical to my ears my brain refuses to accept it as such.

In Spanish we say Da lo mismo to express a similar idea.

Any thoughts?

It depends on the context it's used in, I think. - rac1, Sep 25, 2012

I agree. But logic tells you that something is either the same or different. Cannot be both! - francobollo, Sep 25, 2012

Estoy de acuerdo contigo: "same difference" es una expresión extraña. Por eso nunca la uso. - Maldito23, Sep 26, 2012

Answer 1

It all depends if you think that a 'difference' can be a thing.

If you do, then 'same difference' would be equal to 'same thing' which does make sense in a strange kind of a way. And after all, the strangeness of the saying is probably half the reason why it became popular in the first place.

Kiwi? George Reeves? The first Superman? - francobollo, Sep 26, 2012

no idea, lol just missing the winking emocion :( - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 26, 2012

Answer 2

In my language we use something like "the same job" or something coloquial, that is impossible for me to translate, when we want to say that the difference between something and something else isn't important.

Interesting. Thanks for sharing! - francobollo, Sep 26, 2012