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  What it means

  Literally “buttery butter,” this phrase describes something that is redundant, tautological, or needlessly repetitive — like defining a word using the same word. It is used to call out circular logic, hollow definitions, or statements that add no new information. Poles use it to dismiss a lazy explanation or a definition that goes nowhere, similar to saying “that’s a tautology” in English.

  Vocabulary

  • masło — butter
  • maślany — buttery, made of butter

  Grammar note

  The phrase uses the adjective 'maślany' (derived from 'masło') to modify 'masło' itself, creating a self-referential construction. 'Maślane' is the neuter nominative form agreeing with the neuter noun 'masło'.

  Cultural context

  This is a neutral, everyday phrase with a slightly ironic or humorous tone. It is often used in academic, journalistic, or everyday conversation to mock circular definitions. There is no strong regional flavour — it is understood throughout Poland.

  Beginner

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