Ask Lemmy

Why use more word when less word work

Filler words carry meaning, even if they don't have specific definitions in context. Like, "like" has a dictionary definition, but if you use it as, like, a filler word, you aren't using that definition (necessarily), but it still conveys something about how the speaker is thinking. They don't just pop up in speech at random. I like catching them and trying to interpret why speakers insert them where they do.

Like, "lowkey" is ~~usually~~* sometimes used to soften harsh language e.g. "I'm lowkey gonna murder Sarah if she doesn't stop chewing her gum with her mouth open". Kinda how "kinda" works as a filler to tone down whatever is being said. I don't actually want to murder Sarah, I just kinda want to murder her. I don't even know if I would call them "proper filler words" in the same sense that "like" is, since they do have a particular function that "like" as a filler lacks. More research is needed it seems.

For me, I let 'em fly. If I had to deliver a speech I would probably include fewer than I usually use in casual conversation, but I don't hold with the rule that they're strictly to be avoided. I think they're neat.

* edit: I just know how I've heard it used, I have no idea how it's usually used. I'm lowkey not in the lowkey demographic.

No, I mean I don't use them needlessly or whatever. I kinda use them to sorta let my thoughts buffer.

For some reason, I have an incredibly difficult time not saying like.

I bet if there were a word cloud of mymost commonly used words of all of my posts, "like" would be the sun in my fucking word solar system.

Um, like, no?

IRL I often use too few filler words and get perceived to be blunt or direct. So I think there is a middle ground.

Do you ~~needlessly~~ use filler words?

I'm always annoyed by the term lowkey, because in music, low key means lower pitch, and not low in volume. It's essentially bass, and my brain cannot comprehend how it could mean what it's supposed to mean.

I grew up in a house with a swear word jar, and a filler word jar. The swear word jar worked differently than most. We didn't put a quarter in every time we used a swear word. We put a dollar in every time we use a swear word incorrectly or as a filler word. According to my parents, "profanity should be used as punctuation and emphasis, not decoration."

The filler word jar worked like a normal swear word jar. $0.25 in the jar for each and every filler word we used. Since this was in the '80s and '90s, we learned to think about what we said before we started speaking.

The Title should be "Do You Use Filler Words?" not "Do You Needlessly Use Filler Words?". At least I really, really, really think so. /s

I like the extra verbosity. When used in moderation anyway. A little bit of seasoning for my sentences.

I, like, totally do!

No

The filler words do carry meaning just not content although using them every time establishes a new baseline. They can be used to convey vibes, to harden, soften or communicate lack of confidence for example.

If you kinda/sorta deleted a person's account, you still deleted the account but you are implicitly saying you didn't mean to for example. Lowkey can be a modifier to mean you don't feel strongly about something.

It's only when I see "lowkey" used to mean the exact opposite of its intended meaning, and without being sarcastic that I get annoyed. If it's hella loud and/or flashy, that shit is not lowkey, kiddos.

I'm ready for people to move on from describing 85% of things as "unhinged".

no, why use many words when few do trick

Take one step back and ask yourself why you criticized your friend to begin with.

Wouldn't call it 'needless' exactly.

Yes

I think I understand what you're talking about. I wouldn't classify the extra words I use as strictly "filler" words. My phrasing is designed to avoid speaking in absolutes. I'm sure it was intentional at one point but it's been a habit for so long that it's become automatic.

I've considered why I do this and come up with a few reasons. First, because I routinely doubt myself. Even on topics where I am an expert. Imposter syndrome is real. Second, because I often find myself having to deliver news that the other person(s) doesn't want to hear and I feel like it helps "soften the blow." And third, to give myself the feeling of plausible denyability; even if there really is none. e.g. "I said could happen, not would happen."

TLDR: Because I doubt myself and want to avoid conflict.

But there are times when I will drop the fillers. And it's not really a conscious effort. If I'm talking about something I feel morally responsible for, I will drop the bullshit and get straight to the point. It happens when I've decided that I'm going to die on this [proverbial] hill and that doing what I think is right outweighs any potential consequences. I can coun't on one, maybe two hands where I've felt I had to choose between a job or a friend and my personal ethics.

In those moments, the fillers go away because my choice is already made.

I mean... For real, yeah, I guess, kinda lowkey.

I, you know, low-key do sometimes, ahem, use, like, some, ahem, filler, ahem, you know, words, right.
No really, I do. Not as bad as above "sentence." But I tend to sprinkle some "basically" and "just" into each comment I make.
And yes, I hate when others do it.

Hmm, well, uh, maybe?

I use "umm... " and "uuuh..." to let my thoughts buffer when I talk.

I would like to think I don't use filler words but this is a good opportunity for some self reflection. Thank you.

For sure, I do. I also think that's normal, because you sometimes need filler to let your brain catch up with your words. The filler words I find annoying are the ones that don't "fit" the context, but that's subjective, and younger people probably think "low-key" fits more often than I do.

Uhhh idk like um maybe

Yes, I definitely do. It's because my brain runs quite slowly, slower than I talk. So I often need to put in filler words to let my brain catch up. Or I repeat the same thing I just said but in a different way.

It's odd how the brain can kindof pre-load the mouth with a sentence, then while the sentence is playing, it hunts for the next sentence to cue. If the next sentence is not ready yet, then the mouth goes into autopilot. It puts in filler words to make the sentence longer, and loops back on other things I've already said.