A set of words in common usage that includes a needless modifier.
Not to be confused with an oxymoron (where two terms of the same phrase literally
contradict each other) or euphamism (a phrase used to change the
emotional charge of a a word or phrase).
Examples of actual redundancies:
- ATM machine ("
Automatic teller machine machine"? Just say "ATM".)
- PIN number ("Personal
identification number number"?)
- "Call now for your FREE GIFT!" (well of course it's free,
otherwise it wouldn't be a gift!)
- end result
- bare naked
- past experience