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I don't know if it is still in vogue but ten years ago in South Africa the phrase "Is it?" was common. It could be used as a response to almost any statement. Is it (ha ha) unique to South Africa or of Brit origin? examples: "I'm going to the movies" - "Is it?" "Can't find my keys." -"Is it?" "He's dead you know." - "Is it?"

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Not used here in the US. – GEdgar Sep 4 '12 at 23:37
Here in California, at least in certain circles, 'Oh really?' serves the same purpose. "I was stuck in traffic for two hours this morning". - "Oh really?" – Artem Sep 5 '12 at 1:08
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Sounds like a geographically and temporally localised "catchphrase" to me, innit? – FumbleFingers Sep 5 '12 at 1:38

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It's generally not used here in Australia. Beginner English learners sometimes use it as a much simplified inquiry into veracity of any statement, before they're able to put together more complex questions.

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