Like, the construct of um, linguistics... is kinda funny? Know what I mean?

The word “like“ is interesting.  There seems to be no avoiding this word.  It pushes and inserts itself into all facets of communication.  Another new addition to the language is ending sentences with a question or least with a tone of voice that sounds like a question.  Now let us add ums, kind ofs, and you knows to this sentence structure.  

Um, like, you know what I mean?  Maybe, kind of, sort of?????

Conversation sounds ambivalent, unsure, and tentative.  These types of meaningless, unconscious fillers seep into our verbal communication, leaking into that which is written, debilitating real words.  They continuously lower standards that diminish our words  - words that have stature, words that have meaning, words to fall in love with and words to hate. 

The word “um” is used as a replacement for a breath, or pause, but often ends up distracting the listener.  But a nano second of quiet allows the speaker the thought-process to produce appropriate words, and often makes the speaker’s point valid.  The other varmints replace real grownup words, confuse the listener, and make the speaker seem lazy.

For example:

 ‘How was the party”? 

Um...Hello?

“Um, the party?  Like it was bad, you know?  Like sort of depressing?  Um like I just wanted to leave?????? “

My response to your party review:

Please take a second to gather your thoughts. Conversation is not a quiz show where you must answer before the buzzer. Before you speak have an understanding of what message you want to convey. If you are unsure of yourself, take a minute and think it over (Unless your are hysterically crying, then take two).   Deliver your words according to what point you are trying to get across.

I am not sure if you really felt the party was depressing.  I wasn’t at the party; I can’t answer your questions.  Only you can answer your own questions.  When a question mark ends every sentence there is no point of view.  Run on thoughts that never seem to end or have a clear topic are confusing and frustrating.  They make me nervous and uncomfortable.  No different than being in an audience when a performer forgets lines or song lyrics.

So why are we are avoiding real words?

Yeah, I get it…thank you valley speak from the 8o’s…thank you Kardashians and Paris Hilton for showing us that talking serves little purpose and clear speech is shown such indifference. Thank you all for making your speech pattern contagious.  Few of us are immune without careful effort.  Really, at the speed with which we are losing our words what is the intention of conversing?

Like, it is boring?... Sort of … a waste of time?…text me.