Redundant ("Post") phrase [it will be clear]

[word]

Hi gang,

I posted this earlier which was probably the wrong forum.

I need some help. There is a name (one word) for using redundant phrases when instructing, describing or identifying something; and it's not "Redundant phrases" as a co-worker jokingly responded.

Examples:

1. 
   "Tuna Fish" is redundant because "Tuna" can only be a fish therefore, "fish" is not necessary to mention.
2. "Big Giant" The word "Giant" signifies something huge, big or large; therefore the word "Big" is not necessary to mention.
3. "Raise up" or "Lower down" the anchor. Raise can only go in one direction,"Up" as lower can go in only one direction, "down".

This are just a few examples. At one time I had compiled quite a list in my head which I plan to do again only this time I will recorded them and use it as a game during a social gathering.

Even if you don't know the name of the word to describe my problem, I would appreciate it if you can give me some more examples of....redundant phrases for lack of the proper term.

Thanx in advance group.


~word~

[Philly]

The word word is looking for might be 'tautology'.

Another example that comes to mind is 'free gift'.

[word]

Originally Posted by Philly

The word word is looking for might be 'tautology'.

Another example that comes to mind is 'free gift'.

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!

That's it Philly and thank you very, very much.

I like the "Free gift" I will add that one as well as "Widow woman" which I got from someone else.

Ok gang, if you can think of anymore I would certainly appreciate reading them.

Thanx again

P.S.
You can post them here for all to see or you may email me at EMAIL REMOVED - Send PM to This User Instead
~word~

[BobK]

Originally Posted by word

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!

That's it Philly and thank you very, very much.

...

I (and some other native speakers, of BE at least) reserve the word tautology for saying the same thing (τα αυτα) more than once, but in other words ('such behaviour is insupportable and intolerable'). Repeating information that is already implied in another word (e.g. 'PIN number' - when 'PIN' itself stands for "Personal Identification Number") is what I'd call pleonasm. Here's what Answers.com says:

ple·o·nasm (plē'ə-năz'əm) pronunciation
n.

1.
a. The use of more words than are required to express an idea; redundancy.
b. An instance of pleonasm.
2. A superfluous word or phrase.

[Late Latin pleonasmus, from Greek pleonasmos, from pleonazein, to be excessive, from pleōn, more.]
...

b

[word]

Originally Posted by BobK

Repeating information that is already implied in another word (e.g. 'PIN number' - when 'PIN' itself stands for "Personal Identification Number") is what I'd call pleonasm.
b

Yeah, like "NIC card" when "NIC" itself stands for "Network Interface card".

Hmm...after reading the definition to "Pleonasm" it appears that may be the word I was seeking; especially, since the word "redundant" was used in the definition and my post is titled "Redundant phrases".

Thanx BobK, I have some things to stew over now.

word

[word]

OK guys,

I appreciate all of your input.

It appears the word I was looking for is indeed "Pleonasm" however, dictionary.com

list Tautology as:
1. needless repetition of an idea, esp. in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness, as in “widow woman.”


And it list Pleonasm as:
1. the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy. 2. an instance of this, as free gift or true fact.

Notice the contradictions:

1. widow woman (pleonasm)
2. free gift (pleonasm)
3. true fact (pleonasm)

The above all appear to be pleonasm.

According to BobK earlier definition from answers.com statements such as:

1. "She will either have a boy or a girl".
2. "This candidate will either will or will not win."

appears to be tautology.

Fascinating!

[Ouisch]

UPC code (Universal Product Code code)
Brief cameo appearance
empty space
passing fad

[word]

Originally Posted by Ouisch

UPC code (Universal Product Code code)
Brief cameo appearance
empty space
passing fad

Great!!!!

I really like these.

Thanx Ouisch