Did Ditto Come From Ghost? Separating Fact From Fiction
The short answer is a resounding no. Despite the popular use of the word “ditto” in the iconic 1990 movie Ghost, the word’s origins predate the film by several centuries. While Ghost certainly helped to popularize and cement “ditto” in contemporary vernacular, particularly in romantic contexts, it did not invent the term. The word “ditto” has a rich history that stretches back to the 17th century, with its roots in Italian and Latin.
The True Origins of “Ditto”
The word “ditto” doesn’t come from a fictional code within the movie Ghost, as some mistakenly believe. The word’s history can be traced back to the Italian word “detto”, a past participle of “dire”, meaning “to say.” This word, stemming from the Latin “dicere” (also meaning “to say”), initially meant “said” or “aforesaid.” It entered the English language around the 1620s, specifically from the Tuscan dialect of Italian. The original usage implied something previously mentioned or “the same as above.” Over time, “ditto” became a common word for denoting repetition or duplication. This is how it evolved into the common usage we see today – indicating something is “the same as the one previously mentioned.”
“Ditto” in the 17th Century
By the late 1600s, “ditto” was used in lists and accounts to denote “the same as above” for items, not only dates. In these early instances of use, the word functioned to avoid redundancy and repetition. By the late 1700s you might even find the term “dittoes” being used to refer to a suit of men’s clothes made of the same color and fabric. This illustrates the diverse ways the term was applied before it became a simple expression of agreement or repetition in conversation.
The Role of “Ditto” in Ghost
In the movie Ghost, Sam Wheat (played by Patrick Swayze) famously responds to Molly Jensen’s (Demi Moore) declaration of love with the word “ditto.” The movie’s narrative ingeniously suggests that “ditto” is a secret code, a way for Sam to reciprocate Molly’s sentiments without saying the actual words “I love you.” This interpretation, though touching and memorable, is purely a creative embellishment for the film’s romantic storyline and does not reflect the word’s actual etymology. The movie Ghost has been one of the main popularizing reasons for using the word in a romantic context.
The “Secret Code” Theory
The idea that “ditto” means “I love you” in Ghost adds an emotional layer to their interactions. It’s a secret shared between two lovers that elevates the seemingly mundane word. This “code” is further popularized by those who say, “[dit] means code, while [to] means for”… this is a fictional construct of the movie, not a fact of the etymology of the word “ditto”. The theory, though fanciful, highlights the power of cinema to imbue ordinary words with new meaning. This fictional interpretation within the movie has given the word “ditto” a kind of cult following.
“Ditto” Today
Today, “ditto” is a common and versatile word, used to signify agreement, repetition, or duplication. It is informal, yet universally understood. It’s frequently used to express:
- Agreement: “I’m starving.” “Ditto!”
- Repetition: In a list of items, when you need to repeat an item.
- Informal duplicate: referring to an exact copy or something equivalent.
Its use in popular culture, including but not limited to Ghost, has ensured its continued prevalence in everyday language.
Conclusion
In summary, while the movie Ghost popularized a specific romantic connotation for the word “ditto,” the word’s origin lies far beyond Hollywood in the 17th century Italian language. “Ditto” has a rich linguistic history that demonstrates how words evolve and adapt over time. Understanding this etymology allows us to appreciate how this simple, yet versatile, word has traveled through time and cultures, solidifying its place in our modern lexicon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Ditto”
Here are 15 related FAQs to provide additional valuable information for the readers:
1. Where does the word “ditto” truly come from?
The word “ditto” comes from the Italian word “detto,” which means “said” or “aforesaid.” This term is derived from the Latin “dicere,” which also means “to say.”
2. When was the word “ditto” first used in English?
The first recorded use of “ditto” in English was around the 1620s, and more specifically around 1625, originating from regional Italian.
3. Did Ghost invent the word “ditto”?
No. Ghost did not invent the word “ditto.” It existed for centuries before the movie was released. The movie simply utilized it in a creative and memorable way.
4. What is the “secret code” meaning of “ditto” in Ghost?
In Ghost, the “secret code” of “ditto” is a romantic way for Sam to say “I love you” back to Molly, even though the actual word does not hold that true meaning.
5. Is “ditto” a formal word?
No, “ditto” is generally considered an informal word. It’s common in casual conversation, not formal writing.
6. What are the most common uses of “ditto” today?
“Ditto” is commonly used to express agreement, to denote repetition, or to indicate something is identical or equivalent.
7. Did “ditto” mean something different in the 1800s?
Yes, by the late 1700s and early 1800s, “dittoes” was sometimes used to refer to a suit of men’s clothes made from the same fabric and color.
8. What is the abbreviation for “ditto?”
The abbreviation for “ditto” is do or dº.
9. How is “ditto” used in lists?
In lists, “ditto” or ditto marks (ˌ) are used to avoid repeating a word or item that is the same as the one directly above it.
10. Is it okay to say “ditto”?
Yes, it is completely okay to say “ditto” in everyday conversation. It’s a common and widely understood expression.
11. Does “ditto” mean “nothing?”
No. “Ditto” does not mean “nothing.” It means something that is the same as something previously said or mentioned.
12. Was “ditto” used as a saying before Pokémon?
Yes. “Ditto” was a well-established word long before the creation of the Pokémon character Ditto.
13. Who was considered for the role of Sam in Ghost?
Actors such as Bruce Willis, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Kevin Bacon, and Alec Baldwin were all considered for the role of Sam Wheat in Ghost.
14. Who played the villain in Ghost?
The villain in Ghost was played by Tony Goldwyn.
15. Is the Pokemon character Ditto related to the word’s meaning?
While both share the name “Ditto,” the word’s meaning (same or aforesaid) and the Pokémon’s ability to transform or duplicate are purely coincidental. The Pokemon character Ditto is not related in origin to the word.