filler phrase
Meaningless spoken buffer
A filler phrase is an expression used to fill pauses in speech while the speaker gathers thoughts: you know, I mean, like, sort of.
Unlike single-word fillers such as "um" or "uh," filler phrases carry vestigial meaning but function primarily as verbal placeholders.
Heavy use can suggest nervousness or uncertainty, though everyone relies on them in casual conversation.
- interjectionEmotional outcry word class
- you knowFiller seeking confirmation
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
- to be honestPhrase preceding candor
- at the end of the dayAfter all considerations
basically · sort of · like · kind of · as it were · if you will · ellipsis · er · uh · um · well · connective · vocative · y'know · you see · I mean · so · clitic
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, trite saying, old chestnut
- expressionsexpression, I love you, idioms, thank you, I'm sorry
- stock phrasescliche, catchphrase, platitude, saying, idiom
- mistakesmistake, mistakes, slip, error, errors
communicative substance
filler phrasekey point
Central essential element
core message · thesis statement · salient point · substance · crux
filler, fill, filled, filling, fills, refill, refillable, landfill, phrase