I Second That Meaning
"I second that" is an idiomatic expression meaning you agree with or support someone else's statement or proposal. When you second something, you formally express your agreement, often in formal settings like meetings where motions require support before being discussed or voted upon.
What Does I Second That Mean?
Core Meaning
"I second that" and the variant "I second this" are conversational expressions used to indicate agreement or endorsement. The phrase functions as a quick, emphatic way to show you align with someone's viewpoint without needing to elaborate further. It's both casual and formal depending on context.
Historical Context
The phrase originates from formal parliamentary and meeting procedures, where a motion requires a "second"—another person's formal support—before debate can proceed. This legislative requirement dates back centuries and reflects the principle that significant proposals shouldn't move forward without at least two people supporting them. Over time, the term became generalized into everyday speech, losing much of its formal rigidity.
How It Functions in Modern Usage
In contemporary communication, "I second that meaning" or simply "I second this" serves multiple purposes:
In Formal Settings: During board meetings, town halls, or official gatherings, the phrase maintains its technical meaning. Someone formally seconds a motion to allow it to advance to discussion or voting.
In Casual Conversation: Friends and colleagues use it colloquially to quickly agree. Instead of repeating agreement at length, saying "I second that" is efficient and often lighthearted. It's particularly useful in group discussions where multiple people are sharing opinions.
In Digital Communication: The phrase appears frequently in comments sections, forums, and social media, where brevity is valued. Someone might reply to a comment with "I second this" to show support without adding substantial new content.
Cultural Significance
The phrase reflects democratic and collaborative values—the idea that decisions benefit from multiple perspectives and that agreement requires genuine support from more than one party. It also demonstrates linguistic efficiency; rather than saying "I completely agree with your statement," people compress this into three words. This efficiency has made it a staple of both boardrooms and casual chat.
Evolution of Usage
While "I second that" remains formal in official contexts, its use in informal settings has expanded dramatically with internet culture and casual communication. Younger generations use it ironically, earnestly, and everywhere in between. The meaning remains constant, but the tone varies tremendously based on context.
Key Information
| Context | Formality Level | Typical Response Format | Common Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary/Legal | Very High | "Second" (single word) | Government, official meetings |
| Professional Meetings | High | "I second that motion" | Corporate boardrooms, committees |
| Casual Conversation | Low | "I second that" or "I second this" | Social gatherings, group chats |
| Digital/Online | Low-Medium | "I second this" or "Seconded" | Forums, social media, comments |
Etymology & Origin
English; derived from parliamentary procedure terminology (16th century), where "second" comes from Old French "seconde" meaning "to support or follow"