crutch words

In school and at work, we gradually learn to eliminate unnecessary words from our written correspondence. But pruning one's speech of common verbal overgrowths is a much more challenging, and a much less often attempted task. While nerding around on thesaurus.com, I came across this handy overview of the top-8 "crutch words" that we often use to add bulk, but not substance, to our conversations.

I like this list for two reasons. First, it made me realize how much filler I actually use in my own speech. Second, it brought up the curious paradox that these simple, harmless words, which seem almost impossible to misuse, are in fact used incorrectly most of the time.

One of my favorite Regina Spektor songs sums up crutch words perfectly:

...they don't serve much use
no healthy calories,
nutrition values.

So here's to nutritious speech--and to delicious conversation.

1. Actually

   Crutch words are words that we slip into sentences in order to give ourselves more time to think, or to emphasize a statement. Over time, they become unconscious verbal tics. Most often, crutch words do not add meaning to a statement. Actually is the perfect example of a crutch word. It is meant to signify something that exists in reality, but it is more often used as a way to add punch to a statement (as in, "I actually have no idea")

2. Literally

   This adverb should be used to describe an action that occurs in a strict sense. Often, however, it is used inversely to emphasize a hyperbolic or figurative statement: "I literally ran 300 miles today."

3. Basically

   This phrase is used to signal truth, simplicity and confidence, like in "Basically, he made a bad decision." It should signify something that is fundamental or elementary, but too often this word is used in the context of things that are far from basic in order to create a sense of authority and finality.

4. Honestly

   This crutch word is used to assert authority or express incredulity, as in, "Honestly, I have no idea why he said that." However, it very rarely adds honesty to a statement.

5. Obviously

   This word should signify an action which is readily observable, recognized, or understood. Speakers tend to use it, however, to emphasize their point with regards to things that aren't necessarily obvious: "Obviously, he should have thrown the ball to first base."

6. Like

   The cardinal sinner of lazy words, like is interspersed in dialogue to give a speaker more time to think or because the speaker cannot shake the habit of using the word. Like should describe something of the same form, appearance, kind, character, or amount. But, very often, it is used involuntarily in conversation, just like um.