Etymology Journal · W
What a coincidence!
Meaning
- This phrase notes the strange timing of two events occurring simultaneously. It is often said with a skeptical tone when someone does not actually believe the events are unrelated.
Skeptical, observant
Used in a sentence
- You showed up exactly when I was complaining about you. What a coincidence!
- We both bought the same shirt. What a coincidence.
- Oh, you are going to the same park at the same time? What a coincidence.
The backstory
It is a standard English construction derived from the mathematical concept of coincidence. It became a common idiom for social recognition in the early 20th century.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check