Utterances like um, wow, and mm-hmm aren’t garbage—they keep conversations flowing.

This is a somewhat interesting look at, like, how seemingly useless words outside of context function.

  • sqgl@beehaw.org
    2·
    2 days ago

    And phone calls nowadays very often introduce lag, especially if using an app like Signal or Messenger or Telegram. This renders interjections by the listener dysfunctional.

    • Pete Hahnloser@beehaw.orgOPEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      Yeah, I’ve (3 seconds later) uh … the real fun part is when you get the echo of your own voice just off enough to make it impossible to keep your train of thought.