When the thought process is too slow, and you already need to speak, it is extra words that help gain time. And each of these words or phrases helps to understand the characteristics of a person’s character.
They appear when there is an awkward pause, they do not carry a semantic load, but they help to stall for time. Everyone has them. They are called filler words.
“As if”, “in short”, “in general”, “so to speak”, “here”... With such speech patterns we try to hide ignorance or excitement, and if used excessively we make the interlocutor lose the thread of reasoning and cause irritation.
What is it: a bad habit, a speech defect or a communicative need? What do these words say about us and is it worth getting rid of them? Is it possible to do without them?
We need filler words to overcome speech difficulties, and it is pointless to fight them. Unless, of course, you insert “means” and “so to speak” through the word, because then this is already a speech impediment that complicates communication and irritates the interlocutor.
"In fact"
The phrase pops up in the conversations of selfish and self-confident people who trust only their own opinion and experience, and are not interested in everything else. Most often, it is difficult for such a person to make friends and establish relationships, since he considers himself the one and only.
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No
This word can also be a parasite, although it is not introductory, like many others. The word "no" means denial. If a person uses it too often, it means he is trying to defend himself.
Such people do not recognize authorities; they value only their own opinions. Surprisingly, they use the word “no” even when trying to express agreement on any issue.
This word is also used to attract attention. After all, only disagreement will force the interlocutor to listen to the opponent’s point of view.
“So” - aggressiveness
A person who constantly repeats the word “means” considers himself an attacker. He demands that his every word be meaningful, and it is important for him that his interlocutor takes this into account when talking. The dominant position remains unshakable, even if his counterpart tries to convince him of something. Sometimes such conversations turn into discussions and even conflicts. In almost all cases, a person remains unconvinced by his opinion, which he defends zealously and to the last. It is possible that communication with him will take place in a negative way, and this may even be the last conversation for a long time (the interlocutors will simply quarrel).
"Briefly speaking"
Indicates haste, nervousness and aggression. Most often this word is used by hot-tempered individuals. You can also often find the use of this word among talkative people who do not know how to cope with this quality.
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Just
This word is used by people who are not sure of their opinion or simply do not have one. Such interlocutors are often dependent on others; they are always afraid to say something wrong or take responsibility. These people are characterized by constantly making excuses and fearing for their future. Having added this word to his speech, the interlocutor seems to reserve the right to change his point of view, refuse everything said, or simply. It is often used when trying to lie, but the feeling of shame haunts you.
Social group
The second reason is the social group or generation to which the person belongs. For example, in the vocabulary of Soviet people the phrases “that means so”, “means” or “so to speak” were often used. The modern generation prefers to use the word “kind of” or “as if.” Sometimes it even sounds funny, but this is the current fashion, which changes the meaning of actions. That is, it represents a certain action in inappropriate uncertainty: “I kind of went to the store,” “I sort of understood everything.” If you are not aware of modern trends, you can doubt whether the person really did it or just wanted it (it was not done very well, half-heartedly).
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In a figurative sense
What does the word parasite mean? This means a lot, especially if such a word becomes an unusual lexeme, for example:
- "Tree sticks". Here is a parasitic word that is used to enhance emotional stress and attract attention.
- "Exactly this". This expression can be interpreted as an inability to find the right expression or as an attempt to carefully attract attention to oneself.
- "In fact". This is an attempt to show your superiority over others and appear smarter.
- “You understand.” From a psychological point of view, this expression indicates uncertainty in what was said, timidity, an attempt to justify oneself, and low self-esteem.
- "Kindergarten". This parasitic word is used by people who are trying to appear in a more favorable light and be better than those around them. This is a sign that the interlocutor lacks compelling arguments, but he does not want to admit his mistake.
Why shouldn't you use unnecessary words in your speech?
Your ability to speak is one of the key points to achieve your goal, mutual understanding with your interlocutor, to convince and elicit feedback from others listening to you.
Frequent repetition of the words of parasites causes irritation and hostility in people. It is unlikely that the interlocutor will want to continue the conversation with you while listening to the next “uh”, “well”, “in short, like”, etc. Also, frequent repetition of such expressions is a consequence of a small vocabulary or illiteracy. Inappropriate speech parasitic figures of speech can indicate anxiety or even low self-esteem of a person. It so happens that people find it most pleasant to have a conversation with a strong, independent person who is unlike other people. It is these types that are most often the center of good attention. “Bad” words can appear in speech due to an excess of emotionality. When words are not enough to convey feelings. Word parasites are a common problem of the 21st century. They are passed down from generation to generation and are not important.
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How to get rid of parasitic words in speech?
If you notice such structures in yourself, it is better to get rid of them. And you can do this in the following ways:
- Try recording your speech on a voice recorder. Perhaps listening to it will surprise you greatly.
- If you plan to speak publicly, it is better to conduct several rehearsals and draw up a detailed plan for your report.
- Expand your vocabulary. Retell large amounts of information out loud more often, communicate with educated people, read classical literature.
- Replace filler words, it can even become a fun game. To do this, you need to replace it every time you want to say your “favorite word” with a new word found in the dictionary.
- Constantly control yourself. Using filler words is a bad habit, and it takes a lot of effort to get rid of it.
From a psychological point of view, the absence of filler words is a sign of erudition, a person’s rich vocabulary and education, as well as a respectful attitude towards his interlocutor.
With an implicit psychological interpretation
- “Wow” is something like a curse that a person sends to himself. If we analyze this expression verbatim, then this is exactly what it prophesies.
- The parasitic word “well” in psychology means a limited vocabulary, fear or inability to express one’s opinion, or the highest degree of excitement. “E” and “this” also belong to this group.
- The parasitic word “type” means that the person who uses it is not confident in his statements.
- “On” usually indicates a lover of swear words who is trying to restrain himself and seem well-mannered.
- “Clearly”, “quickly”, “clearly” - are used when a person is trying to make his interlocutor look more stupid and show his superiority over him.
- “You know” is used by people who want to attract attention, who want to be trusted more. This filler word gives the conversation a more personal emotional overtones.
Analogues in English
Do such words have any national characteristics? Since they are not recommended for use in speech and cannot be found in dictionaries, we do not know this part of foreign languages well. In English-speaking countries, it is very rare for an informal conversation to proceed without you know (“you know”) and I mean (“I mean,” “that is”).
“There are a lot of similarities in languages,” notes Maxim Krongauz, “take, for example, our word “as if,” which intersects in English with like (in this case it is not a verb).” However, it is not known whether analogues of the word “in short” exist elsewhere. American scientists found out where these parasitic words came from: psychologist Joseph Schrock and psycholinguistic specialist, cognitive psychologist Jean Fox Tree.
I mean is a warning about an upcoming clarification to what was said earlier, and you know is an invitation to participate in the conversation of the interlocutor (at least to express disagreement or agreement). These words are called discourse markers. They are also used not for the purpose of forming the main meaning, but to warn about the communicative intentions of the speaker and to create conversational structure. An example of a marker in Russian is the word “yes?”.
“In its form, this is a question, but we will not wait for an answer to it, we will not even pause for the listener to insert at least something,” explains Maxim Krongauz. “The function of this word is to keep the other person’s attention focused on the conversation so that he listens more attentively.”
Actually
Another word that insecure people cannot do without. Psychologists believe that individuals who use this word too often are prone to neuroses and hysterics.
Indeed, they masterfully throw up scandals, even if there is no particular reason for this. By the way, this is another sign of self-doubt, so they are trying to defend themselves.
Their character lacks confidence and courage, so they try to fake it. And quite successfully. Many do not even realize that in front of them is a person who does not have a strong character.
“This is it” - lack of responsibility
This is usually what irresponsible people say. Remember your classmates who never learned their homework. Surely one of them repeated this phrase or shortened it to one drawn-out sound “E-uh”. At the time when a person inserts a parasitic word into his speech, he frantically remembers what could serve as an excuse for his irresponsibility or what could be invented to maintain his reputation.
Are there any advantages?
Even when interjections and particles become parasites and interfere with a person’s ability to establish contacts, one can highlight the benefits of their use. The general advantages include the following (may linguists forgive me):
- Reduce the information flow. Sometimes, I think it’s appropriate to use strange words, such as “this and that,” “here and there.” If you are talking with a person who knows you well, then when you suggest going for a walk, you can say “Let's take a walk, go shopping, go to the cinema, this and that.”
- Fool around, play. Try on someone else's role by consuming typical weeds.
- Give the conversation emotional expression. Relevant again for communication among friends. Occasionally it is not shameful to say “topic” or “tough” if it is said by you with your own permission. Otherwise, you can purify your speech so much that it becomes businesslike always and with everyone. But besides formal communication, there is informal communication in life.
Additional benefits can be identified separately for the speaker and for the listener.
For the speaker
It’s not for nothing that filler words are also called pause substitutes. They allow a person to select the necessary thoughts and think, that is, they give time. But the conclusion suggests itself: time to “think” is needed by those who have:
- poor vocabulary;
- poorly developed speech;
- weak thought processes.
With swearing and inappropriate repetition of particles, a person fills a mental and speech vacuum.
For the listener
For the listening person, parasites have less of a positive impact. As a result, only parasites become noticeable and interfere with the perception of basic information. But among the advantages:
- the opportunity to consider the partner’s hidden states (behind the parasites lies a specific problem);
- a hint for pause, comprehension of what was said (the word “here”).
An interrogative “yes” or “you know” on the part of the speaker does not necessarily signal his uncertainty; perhaps it is a way of attracting the attention of the listener and maintaining communicative contact.
