Filler words serve the practical function of giving a moment to think of what to say next and also let the other person know that a pause is coming. The type of filler word used signals the length of the pause requested, with 'um' indicating a longer pause and 'uh' indicating a shorter pause. Additionally, filler words can be used to signal an abrupt change of subject or to proceed with delivering bad news in a less shocking manner.
Our second and final set of mini-stories for the season: We'll be covering upside-down construction, the linguistics of filler and a fire that has been burning for decades.
Check out Lizzie No's latest album Halfsies on Band Camp. She's on tour in 2024. Go see her and say hi for me!
Mini-Stories 18