Two-word tautologies

[MoleAtTheCounter]

Past history
Free gift
Aromatic smell
Mass exodus (a BBC favourite)

Please post more examples.

Talking the talk (although I'm not sure it's truly tautological, as I suppose the 'talk' could be about anything).

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Not two words, strictly speaking, but Please RSVP always annoys me.

'Pre order' does have a meaning distinct from 'order' in that it means ordering something before it is available for purchase. It's a more specific sub-meaning or qualification of the verb 'order'.

Interesting point about being unable to 'post order' - I think the opposite of 'pre-order' is in fact 'back order' - i.e. ordering something that's no longer available for purchase.

Over exaggerate has to be my most hated one. It's so commonly used as well??!

Not two words but saying "six am in the morning" infuriates me.

That ruins the song ‘Moonlight Shadow’ for me. She could just as easily sing ‘Four o’clock in the morning.’

Or 'It was four in the morning ...'

😂😂 now you’ve ruined it for me too!

Not a tautology but multiple etcs annoy me in a sentence. Often edit those out at work.

im very much enjoying these examples.
My offering is Koi Carp - Koi means carp

I think that's fine when used for emphasis.

My alarm goes off at 6am.

My toddler decided it was time to start the day at 6am in the bloody morning on Saturday.

Subtly different meanings (as in so many of those examples).

My cleaner's ex husband is a stranger to me, I've never met him although I've heard pleeeenty about him.

The person who found my bank card and handed it in to the shop is an unknown stranger - I know nothing about them so I can't even pass along a message of thanks.

Another example where it's a qualifier rather than a tautology.

Unfilled vacancy - much used in HR.

Recommend me - I’d never seen this before joining MN.

Reduce down - as others have noted.

A boy that I used to teach was called Jacob James, which are basically the same name 😐

Fun run

😂

Or alternatively, an oxymoron if a 'fun run' is your idea of hell.

I knew a Heather Erica, which is somehow worse.

I see your 'hence why' and raise you a 'hence because'.

Pre plan.

I knew a Heather Erica, which is somehow worse.

Half-hoping her surname was Ling...

I don’t think so, but the significance would have passed me by. I think the cringeworthy thing is that her parents must have assumed the significance of Heather Erica would also pass most people by.

Personal friend. Are there any other kinds?

Yes! Work friends.

"Personal friend" typically means "I know this person from outside this environment as well as through work/sport/volunteering/whatever. Our relationship is not just based on this activity we are discussing."

Supporters/Patrons/Defenders as in 'Friends of the Earth'.