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Not terribly relevant, but about 20 years ago I noticed that a Canadian visitor to our UK home opened every conversation with the word "so". It sounded extremel
by sjcsjc 7y ago
Not terribly relevant, but about 20 years ago I noticed that a Canadian visitor to our UK home opened every conversation with the word "so". It sounded extremely strange to me, and I really didn't like it.
Now, 20 years later, I find I begin nearly every conversation with the word "so".
- malvosenior 7y agoYou were right 20 years ago :) I hate it when people do this as it sounds super condescending. Literally talking down to someone like you would a small child that needed to be taught a lesson. I think starting a thought with “So,” is some unholy mix of pseudo-California valley talk (not that valley) and upper middle class liberal arts in-speak.
- yojex 7y agoSo this might seem weird, but there are many people who do not at all feel that way. I can't even begin to imagine what feels condescending about someone using "so" as a filler word. For people with a bit of social anxiety, it can serve as an easy and comfortable lead-in to share a thought when they can't think of a better way.
- malvosenior 7y agoI think if you read your reply with and without the “so”, you’ll see what I mean. Your second paragraph is probably one of the reasons people do it but it’s also the reason it come off passive aggressive, which when disagreeing with someone sounds condescending.
- yojex 7y agoI included it in my reply to see what you thought of it :) I hadn't considered it in the context of disagreement; I think I can see how that could rub people the wrong way.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]