I am not sure when the phenomenon began, but a few words — “so,” “literally,” and “look” — have become overused to cringe-worthy levels.

Folks are keen on dropping a “Sooooooo” before they answer a question. It is a nightmare for the listener (or reader of a trial transcript) after the filler word is uttered in consecutive responses.

“Literally” is over-used by people of all ages. Most of the time, in context, the word is nonsensical and has become a crutch akin to the favorite of thirteen-year-old girls, i.e., “like.”

Politicians, spokespeople, and reporters love to begin sentences by saying, “Look.” I’m not sure why the word is so rampantly used. Perhaps these cats surmise their usage of the word makes them sound important or part of the body politic. As with “literally,” “look” is misplaced and invoked ad nauseum.

I suspect, when using these words, the speaker hasn’t given much thought to what they are saying. Thus, they resort to fillers and clichés.

In other news…

I watch The Lead with Jake Tapper for my fill of disheartening news about the world. CNN runs a commercial for lawnmowers. The standard, gas-powered one, which the user pushes along their green space, is equipped with two headlights. SO, LITERALLY, why does a lawnmower have headlights? Is anyone cutting their grass in the dark? Aren’t they worried about stepping in dog poop or running over an opossum? If the mower’s lights are merely decorative, ummmm, why? Are their also decorative faux taillights on the machine?