Meaning
An expression used to convey surprise or delight upon unexpectedly recognizing someone, often with a playful tone among familiar people.
Primary Function
Surprise recognition
Communicative Purpose
To humorously acknowledge an unexpected meeting or arrival, emphasizing familiarity rather than formal greeting.
Pattern
Look who it is!
Core Structure
Look who it is!
Função primária
Surprise recognition
Propósito comunicativo
To humorously acknowledge an unexpected meeting or arrival, emphasizing familiarity rather than formal greeting.
Situações de gatilho
Running into a friend at the grocery store after months apart; seeing a colleague arrive just as they were expected.
Contextos
Casual conversation, informal social settings, parties, gatherings where participants are relaxed and friendly.
Padrão
Look who it is!
Estrutura central
Look who it is!
Slots de substituição
(none)
Colocados típicos
- "Well
- look who it is!"
- "Hey
- look who it is!"
Substituições comuns
- Speak of the devil!
- Fancy seeing you here!
Erros comuns
Using a flat intonation that loses surprise effect; misapplying to unwelcome or serious encounters.
Similar / contraste
There he/she is! (more neutral/official); Fancy meeting you here! (formal/polite).
Interferências
In some cultures this phrase can sound sarcastic if used for an unexpected but unwanted guest; tone and context matter.
Família do chunk
- Arrival surprises: Speak of the devil
- Here he is in the flesh
Nuance
Generally conveys positive, light‑hearted surprise among close friends; may hint at playful teasing rather than genuine astonishment.
Efeito pragmático
Draws attention to the person being recognized, often prompting a brief conversation or laughter from onlookers.
Dica de memória
Well, look!
Nota
This expression is typically used in informal contexts to express surprise and delight when unexpectedly seeing someone familiar. It's often accompanied by a cheerful tone and may be followed by a brief conversation or laughter.
Upgrade path
Look who's here! → Look who it is! → Look what the cat dragged in!
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