crutch word
Habitual speech padding
A crutch word is a filler or hedge that speakers lean on habitually—*like*, *you know*, *basically*, *actually*, *literally*.
These words pad sentences without adding meaning, often signaling nervousness or buying time to think.
Everyone has crutch words; the term itself implies they're a weakness to overcome: Her crutch word is "honestly"—she says it constantly.
Spoken hesitation marker
- uhVocalized hesitation marker
- likeComparable to, or enjoy
- you knowFiller seeking confirmation
- I meanClarification phrase
actually · basically · literally · so · well · right · okay · anyway
Temporary cessation of activity
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- stammeringInvoluntary speech repetition
- fumblingClumsy, uncoordinated handling
- haltingMarked by hesitation
groping · stumbling · false start · restart · interruption · broken speech · thinking aloud · er
Excessive employment of something
- repetitionAct of redoing
- relianceState of needing support
- dependencyState of needing support
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
unconscious · automatic · reflexive · ingrained · default · fallback · go-to · tendency
um
Spoken hesitation marker
I mean · actually · basically · literally · so · well · right · okay · anyway · honestly
pause
Temporary cessation of activity
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- stammeringInvoluntary speech repetition
- fumblingClumsy, uncoordinated handling
halting · groping · stumbling · false start · restart · interruption · broken speech · thinking aloud · er · ah
overuse
Excessive employment of something
- repetitionAct of redoing
- relianceState of needing support
- dependencyState of needing support
pattern · unconscious · automatic · reflexive · ingrained · default · fallback · go-to · tendency · speech pattern
crutch wordeloquence
Persuasive verbal grace
rhetorical flourish · bon mot · powerful language · silver tongue · well-turned phrase
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