A 'super-duper' word I know
is the innocent little 'so-so'.
When translated
it's STILL duplicated:
You want some examples - let's go!

In French, 'comme-ci, comme-ça',
The Japanese simply 'ma ma',
And my friend Betsy
Says the Greek's 'etsi-ketsi'
Which is my favourite by far.

...and in Mandarin Chinese it's mama huhu, but I can't face thinking of another whole limerick just for that! My absolute favourite is indeed the Greek and I even use 'a bit etsi' as part of my personal slang to describe something I think is pretty average really.

I find it intriguing how some concepts just cry out for a reduplicative word across all languages. And if anyone can tell me how to say 'so-so' (just another day in the life of a tailor )in other languages, I'd love to know for my own personal trivia collection...

Um, hi everyone, long time no talk! I checked the board out a couple of days ago and was feeling a bit intimidated about coming back on - all these new people! - but this thread I just couldn't resist. Even if I have hijacked the direction somewhat. Plutarch, forgive me, for I have sinned! And will probably sin again, but I hope at least in interesting ways...