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Why people say 'I mean ...' Missing pronouns. Cat-tracted.

Dec 17, 2024

Explore why 'I mean' is making a comeback in conversations! Discover how it shapes interaction and reflects trends. The discussion also highlights the growing tendency to omit pronouns, making speech feel more intimate. It dives into how these language shortcuts reveal deeper connections among speakers and trace their historical roots. Plus, hear about the subtle differences between American and British English usages, showcasing the evolution of our conversational styles.

16:34

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Quick takeaways

The increased use of 'I mean' as a discourse marker reflects evolving communication trends influenced by casual conversation styles and social media.

Conversational deletion, or omitting words in speech, enhances efficiency while signaling intimacy and shared understanding between speakers.

Deep dives

The Rise of Discourse Markers

The phrase 'I mean' has seen a significant increase in usage, functioning as a discourse marker in conversations. Traditionally used to clarify or explain, its newer application serves to intensify or justify statements, often conveying attitudes or emotions. For instance, when someone says, 'I mean, they simply have the best coffee,' it denotes an emotional standpoint rather than a simple clarification. This shift reflects broader communication trends influenced by social media and casual conversation styles that invite shared understanding among speakers.

Intro

2min

The Role of 'I Mean' in Conversation

5min

The Power of 'I Mean' in Digital Discourse

5min

The Casual Language of Intimacy: Dropping Words in Everyday Speech

2min

The Evolution of Conversational Language

6min

1039. People are saying "I mean" more lately, and we explain what it ... means! Plus, we look at why people leave out pronouns at the beginning of sentences such as "Ordering pizza!"

The "I mean" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.

The "pronoun deletion" segment was written by Karen Lunde, a former Quick and Dirty Tips editor who has crafted hundreds of articles on the art of writing well. She was an online education pioneer, founding one of the first online writing workshops. These days, she provides writing tips and writing coach services at HelpMeWriteBetter.com.

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