Ever heard someone say "really though" and wondered about its meaning? This casual English expression is a powerful way to add emphasis, show skepticism, or reinforce your point in conversations. Let's explore how and when to use it.
What Does "Really Though" Mean?
"Really though" serves several purposes in casual English conversation:
- Adds emphasis to a statement
- Expresses genuine feeling
- Reinforces a point
- Shows skepticism (in questions)
How It's Used
In Statements
As reinforcement:
"I love pizza, really though, I LOVE pizza!"
- First statement: Simple fact
- "Really though": Adds emphasis
- Repeated statement: Shows intensity
For emphasis:
"That movie was amazing, really though!"
- Base statement
- Added emphasis shows genuine feeling
In Questions
"Does he really though?"
- Expresses doubt
- Questions a previous statement
- Shows skepticism
When to Use It
✅ Casual Settings
- Conversations with friends
- Informal discussions
- Social media
- Text messages
❌ Formal Settings
- Business meetings
- Academic writing
- Professional emails
- Formal speeches
Similar Expressions
If you want to vary your emphasis, try these alternatives:
- "Seriously though"
- "No, but really"
- "For real though"
- "Actually though"
Tips for Usage
- Keep it Casual: Use in informal settings with friends
- Mind Your Tone: Can be playful or skeptical—context matters
- Use Sparingly: Overuse reduces impact
Examples in Context
Showing Enthusiasm:
"This cake is amazing, really though!"
- Emphasizes genuine enjoyment
- Shows strong feeling
- Reinforces the point
Expressing Doubt:
"He said he'll be on time."
"Will he really though?"
- Questions likelihood
- Shows skepticism
- Based on past experience
Cultural Note
Understanding the cultural context of "really though" is important:
- Very American/English casual speech
- Part of younger generations' vocabulary
- Often used in social media
- Common in informal writing
Practice Exercise
Try using "really though" in these situations:
- After making a strong statement about something you love
- When expressing friendly skepticism about a friend's claim
- To emphasize a genuine compliment
The Bottom Line
"Really though" is a versatile expression that adds emphasis, shows genuine feeling, or expresses doubt in casual English conversation. Remember to keep it informal, use it naturally, and match the context of your conversation.
Published on March 2024
Category: Expressions & Idioms