same old

1. A shortening of "same old same old," used as a response to someone's inquiry to indicate that things are the same as ever, typically implying a degree of tedium or monotony. A: "Hey, John, long time no see! How are things?" B: "Eh, same old. Just working and looking after the kids."

2. Used to describe someone or something as being the same way they or it has ever been. I hadn't seen her in nearly eight years, but she was still the same old Janet I remembered from high school. I can't stand the thought of being trapped in some boring office job doing the same old thing every single day.

same old same old

The same thing that is always done or that always happens. It often implies that such a thing is boring or monotonous. The phrase is duplicated for emphasis. We always sit around and do the same old same old. Let's go out this week. A: "What are you doing this summer?" B: "Same old same old—loading up the car and heading to the beach."