APAD: Same Here

Meaning:

   The same thing applies to me. (Referring to thoughts, feelings, actions, or

   circumstances.)

 

Background:

   The words `same' and `here' are adjectives that have been in the English

   language for many centuries, and are thought to be derived from the

   Proto-Germanic language. But it wasn't until around 1895 until we see the

   first recorded use of the informal phrase `same here'.

 

   The phrase `same here' is often used in everyday conversation primarily as a

   way to convey empathy. When someone has finished speaking, and you can relate

   to what they have just said, it is often appropriate to respond with `same

   here'.

 

   This phrase can be used in multiple ways. For instance, to convey that you've

   had the same experience or to convey that you had the same reaction to

   something, or the same thoughts. The phrase can also be used to express that

   you want the same thing as someone else, whether it's an item on a menu, or

   for different weather.

 

   Sometimes, the phrase is shortened to omit the word `here' but keeping the

   word `same'. This means the same thing, that the same applies to the speaker

   of the word `same' that applies to the person who spoke previous. Sometimes,

   people will say `samsies', `me too', or `us too', `same for us' or `same with

   us' instead, all of which mean the same thing.

 

   Several versions of the phrase are popular in everyday conversation because

   they convey the sentiment very quickly, without having to go into detail.

 

   It is important to remember that the phrase `same here' is informal slang.

   You would not find such language on academic, professional or legal

   documents.

   

- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]

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I stopped at an intersection on my way to Costco and in five seconds, an older guy

braked to my left.

    "Electric" he turned and smiled under three days' worth of silvery stubble

    and a pair of specs.

 

    "Oh. Yeah. Not good as yours but better than nothing" I grinned back.

 

We rode abreast after the lights turned green.

    "I cycled for forty years and never had a back problem."

 

    "Right. You look great."

 

We passed a bakery.

    He slowed down and said: "I'm going to turn. Have a safe ride."

 

    "Same here" I replied, zooming ahead.

 

I soon doubted the correctness of those words that came first to mind. Anyway,

he had no chance to correct me if he wanted.

 

My boy said it was okay and to be clear I could say "same to you." But that's

not among the meanings listed above and it well-wishes more than empathizes.

Here, I might be getting into hairsplitting territory. To muddle the battlefield

and hide ignorance, I'll just say "same."