In many places we visit, we notice filler words or phrases that people use when talking. In the south, "I'll tell you what..." starts nearly every sentence. In NYC, "I mean..." is used in similar circumstances. "yaknowwhat I'msayin?" ended nearly every sentence in NYC. "like..." peppered most conversations in LA. "Este..." was used to think of the next thing in Montevideo.
Here in Cape Town, two of these fillers are glaring to us:
"You must..." is used for everything from something that you might consider trying to an invitation to something that actually MUST be done.
"Obviously" is so overused that it often actually means the exact opposite of obviously. An example (this has occurred more than once!) when getting directions on the street a local will say, "well, go down this street and, obviously, turn right at the robots" (btw, robots is what they call traffic lights here). Now, to us the fact that we're asking for directions (not to mention our accents) should indicate to the local, in no uncertain terms that it is anything BUT obvious which way to turn. . .
We think there must be some meaning to be found in these words and phrases that people overuse. We don't know for sure yet. . . we're just sayin'...
Here in Cape Town, two of these fillers are glaring to us:
"You must..." is used for everything from something that you might consider trying to an invitation to something that actually MUST be done.
"Obviously" is so overused that it often actually means the exact opposite of obviously. An example (this has occurred more than once!) when getting directions on the street a local will say, "well, go down this street and, obviously, turn right at the robots" (btw, robots is what they call traffic lights here). Now, to us the fact that we're asking for directions (not to mention our accents) should indicate to the local, in no uncertain terms that it is anything BUT obvious which way to turn. . .
We think there must be some meaning to be found in these words and phrases that people overuse. We don't know for sure yet. . . we're just sayin'...
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