Parasitic words: where do they come from and why do we need them?
Experts in the field of psychology believe that any word can be considered a parasite if a person uses it too often and out of place. This problem did not appear in our days — it accompanied a person from the moment when he began to speak meaningfully. What is the nature of parasitic words and is it possible to do without them?
In the modern world, verbal "garbage" is often used in conversation because of the so-called radio and television syndrome. We try to fill in the pauses in the conversation, as long as there is no silence. As soon as there is nothing to talk about, the ether is filled with a stream of words that carry practically no semantic load.
Instead of courageously enduring a few seconds of rest, the interlocutors give out a variety of words and sounds: "nuuu", "mmm", "uh" and so on. Thus, the pause is "killed", and the conversation remains continuous, without awkward pauses.
Many people use parasitic words to overcome speech difficulties. Unable to coherently express a thought or having exhausted their vocabulary, people smartly operate with interjections and useless words. Even if you constantly remind a person of his habit, he will not change. At least, until he realizes how annoying he is to others and does not want to get rid of this habit.
According to the parasite words, it is possible to determine which social group or generation the interlocutor belongs to. Older people often use the popular "so to speak" and "means". The younger generation uses "type" and "as if" instead of these words.
Words and phrases of such a plan can be individual. An excellent example is the well-known politician Zhirinovsky, whose business card is the categorical "unequivocally". Such personal words-parasites may well adopt a person's environment if they encounter him daily and especially if they see that the phrase inserted into speech acts on others and helps to control people.
Psychologists have carefully examined the parasite words and their owners and have come to an interesting conclusion.It turns out that each such word or phrase has a certain meaning hidden behind it. People who lack attention, love to say "by the way", because it hides their embarrassment when communicating and uncertainty.
If you hear the phrase "this is the most" from a person, then, most likely, you are facing an impulsive, not too reliable and lazy person. Fans of this phrase are not averse to shirking work or shifting it to another, and besides, they skillfully avoid punishments.
"In short" is a parasite word for those who are always late, constantly in a hurry and nervous about and without. "In fact" can often be heard from egoists who seek to emphasize their competence and distrust of other people's thoughts. Repeating constantly "as if" is quite possibly disconnected from reality. With his uncertain phrase, he emphasizes isolation from society.
"Type" and "means" are words from the arsenal most often used by people with conservative views who are hostile to innovations. Such people can even impose their point of view without sparing any effort or time.
You can fight with parasitic words. To do this, experts recommend replenishing your vocabulary and ennobling your speech. Literature is considered an excellent assistant in this struggle. Reading books, we imperceptibly increase our vocabulary and at the same time learn to speak meaningfully, for example, "yes" and "no", instead of cutting the ear "as if" and "so to speak".
Psychologists advise taking a break in a conversation in order to formulate a qualitative answer, and not to give out sounds that do not carry a semantic load.