WordGarden.iorehash
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /riˈhæʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to go over old ideas, information, or arguments again in a repetitive or unoriginal way
to recompute or redistribute hash values in a data structure
Noun
a recycled or only slightly changed version of old material
Beyond the definition
If a movie sequel feels like it's just rehashing the original plot with slightly different details, it means it's repeating familiar material without much originality. Think of it like stirring up leftovers—you're using what's already been cooked rather than creating something entirely new.
The word suggests taking something old and presenting it again, often in a less interesting way. A politician might rehash the same promises they made in the last election, hoping voters will forget how little they delivered. In the same way, a writer might rehash an old story with only minor changes. It doesn't always mean the result is bad—sometimes familiar ideas are useful—but it usually suggests there isn't much that feels new.
To rehash something means to repeat, rework, or present old ideas, stories, or information again, usually in a way that lacks originality or depth. The term draws from the culinary concept of a "hash"—a dish made by chopping up leftover meat and vegetables. To rehash, then, is to take those leftovers and process them yet again, implying a repetitive process with limited new input.
You might hear someone say a journalist is rehashing old news when they report on an event without adding any new insights or perspectives. A band might be accused of rehashing their greatest hits if their latest album sounds too similar to their previous work. In a personal context, you could accuse someone of rehashing the same complaints or arguments over and over again.
The context often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that something isn't particularly innovative or exciting. However, the term can also be used neutrally; sometimes, revisiting familiar themes is useful for reinforcing ideas or reminding people of important information.
Think of it this way: if you turn last night's leftovers into a hash, you're rehashing the meal. It may still taste good, but it isn't a brand-new creation. Whether it involves stories, arguments, or creative work, to rehash is to revisit and rework existing material, with varying degrees of originality.
Examples
- 1
Meeting complaints
We spent half the meeting rehashing the same complaints from last week.
- 2
Avoiding conflict
I don't want to rehash what happened last night.
- 3
News article
The article just rehashed information that was already public.
- 4
Movie sequel
The sequel felt like a rehash of the original movie.
- Patterna rehash of + earlier material
something that repeats old ideas or material without adding much new
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- regurgitate
- rework
- go over
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- rehash old arguments
- rehash the past
- rehash the same points
Word family
Explore
- derivative
- cliche
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rehashnounverb
Forms
- rehashedpast tenseverbnoun
- rehashing-ing formverbnoun
- rehashespluralnounverb