Dictionary

same, same, but different en · X

Etymology

Originates in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, where locals use it (in English) to describe things that are very similiar yet not identical, such as substitute goods in markets.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, informal) Almost the same, but with some differences.
   • So we are same same but different as they say in some parts of the world. 2012, Abhijit Bhaduri, Mediocre But Arrogant, →ISBN:
   • A day before I'd stepped off a train in Vladivostok in snow and ice, still hung over from the vodka hug-fest with the silver-toothed gangsters, India and Afghanistan just over my shoulder, on my mind, and then, wham, a taxi through warm L.A. -- "Fuck, man, look at that traffic!" said the driver, who'd emigrated to the U.S. from Jordan when he was sixteen -- and I was plunging into a place I hadn't seen in months. As a T-shirt in India read, "Same, same, but different." 2010, Carl Hoffman, The Lunatic Express, →ISBN, page 270:
   • I have pets too, but not nearly as many as you! Same, same but different! 2011, Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw, Same, Same But Different, →ISBN:
   • Nothing MOVES from one level to the next without you ACTIVATING the market and the prospects. As the people say in Cambodia; Same, same but DIFFERENT. 2012, Stefan Larsson, Procedural Selling, →ISBN, page 121:

Forms