Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

Swedes often say CD Skiva as in Compact disk disk. In English you sometimes say ATM machine as in Automated teller machine machine. What are other examples of such redundant endings?

share
2  
possible duplicate of Terms for duplicated words – Robusto Apr 16 '11 at 18:16
The "what would you call them" part is clearly a dupe. The "what are other examples" part could live on as a community-wiki list. – RegDwighт♦ Apr 16 '11 at 18:50
1  
Oh, and I fail to see how "compact disk skiva" is in the same league as "compact disk disk". – RegDwighт♦ Apr 16 '11 at 18:53
1  
I agree it's not exactly in the same league. I was merely offering an anecdote that after translation is similar to make the question more interesting. I'm guessing making this into a community wiki is a moderator power as I seem to be unable to, feel free. – Kit Sunde Apr 16 '11 at 19:28

locked by simchona♦ Aug 28 '12 at 22:42

This question exists because it has historical significance, but it is not considered a good, on-topic question for this site, so please do not use it as evidence that you can ask similar questions here. This question and its answers are frozen and cannot be changed. More info: FAQ.

closed as not constructive by simchona♦ Aug 28 '12 at 22:42

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

8 Answers

up vote 7 down vote accepted

PIN Number (Personal Identification Number Number) comes to mind

They are referred to as RAS Syndrome, with the RAS standing for Redundant Acronym Syndrome

share
Beat me by a hair! – ChrisO Apr 16 '11 at 18:13
up vote 0 down vote

AC current/ DC current (alternating current/direct current)

IP protocol (internet protocol)

share
up vote 3 down vote

GUI Interface (Graphical User Interface Interface).

share
up vote 1 down vote

VAT Tax ( Value Added Tax Tax )

share
At least in the UK, I’ve never or rarely heard it called this — it’s generally just VAT in my experience. – PLL Apr 23 '11 at 16:39
i have heard that in india . – Alaukik Apr 24 '11 at 3:11
up vote 2 down vote

This phenomenon isn't exclusive to acronyms either. The La Brea Tar Pits can be translated as The The Tar Tar Pits.

share
This is getting into Torpenhow Hill territory… – PLL Apr 23 '11 at 16:37
up vote 3 down vote

LCD display (Liquid Crystal Display display)

share
I've never heard anyone use that. I've heard LCD screen, though, which is perfectly acceptable. – advs89 Apr 24 '11 at 4:28
up vote 2 down vote

EULA agreement (End User License Agreement agreement)

share
up vote 1 down vote

VIN Number (Vehicle identification number number), also tuna fish.

share
1  
Well, tuna is also a fruit. Merriam-Webster. – RegDwighт♦ Apr 16 '11 at 18:23
The "tuna" in "tuna fish" is an adjective, so the phrase is not truly redundant. "Gimme some fish! What kind of fish? Tuna fish." – Marthaª Apr 16 '11 at 22:19
1  
Yakitori chicken would be a possible. – The Raven Apr 16 '11 at 23:19
1  
I was stationed in Japan when I was in the Army. I was a Japanese linguist and it always cracked me up when I would go in the mess hall and they would be serving chicken yakitori. The staff would look at me funny when I would say "I'll take some chicken grilled chicken" – Kevin Apr 17 '11 at 0:36
In Texas - you get Chicken Fried Chicken, as opposed to chicken fried anything else. Chicken fried seems to mean schnitzel – mgb Apr 17 '11 at 3:59
show 2 more comments

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.