English phrase from drama scenes
What Does "it's not technically" Mean?
Learn what "it's not technically" means, when people say it, and how to use it naturally in English.
Intermediate
Neutral
Soft
Joke
It's not technically a surprise when you call ahead.
This means a surprise is no longer a surprise if the person warns you first.
From The Ceo, Episode 5
When do people say this?
Scene Context
She is teasing someone about how a surprise stops being a surprise if they call ahead.
Usage Scenario
Use it playfully when someone ruins a surprise by giving advance notice. It can sound slightly sarcastic but not mean.
Better ways to say it
1
It's not really a surprise if you call ahead.
2
That isn't much of a surprise if you warn me first.
3
You can't call it a surprise if you called first.
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