The use of filler words, particularly for women, has become increasingly prominent in ‘Gen-Z’ over the past two decades. Recently, the way in which the younger generation of women have verbally expressed themselves has transgressed and I believe, reflects modern-day British society.  

Women tend to use words such as “actually?,” “I mean,” “really?”, “and so on,” “you know?,” “and stuff,” “sorry” and the most common, “like.”  The tone of these filler words accompanied with question marks here is critical. The self-questioning that women seem to have cemented into their expression, which I for one am a culprit of, shows that women today still feel the need to receive reassurance with what they are saying. Not only from others, but for self-validation.  

Additionally, there is still an underlying stigma that women, in comparison to men, have higher expectations of themselves and by their peers. The use of filler words, therefore, can be seen as women showing that they are invested and listening to their surroundings, again looking for reassurance.  

In a different light, women may use filler words as in an attempt to avoid ‘awkward’ silences. The use of filler words gives an element of submissiveness, perhaps by showing a level of uncertainty due to a lack in confidence in oneself, combined with the underlying pressures in today’s society. 

All of these explain as to why filler words exist and most prominently heard from women reflects on the small hints of patriarchy that British society still upholds. 

 These words, that are becoming engrained into the vocabulary of women is slowly becoming self-detrimental to one’s capabilities and opportunities. Filler words are thought to detract women from their confidence and credibility. The pressures that women face and lack of confidence in their work have meant that they are not so inclined to ask for a pay rise or promotion. 

Despite this, the patriarchy has left women in a position to not ask directly for what they want. The consequences of women who don’t use filler words and are confident enough to express themselves, end up facing the brutality of labels. Autocratic, demanding, bossy and aggressive, are just a few examples of the words women are marred with if they don’t use filler words.  

The environment women are responding to results in the rise of filler words. These are a form of self-doubt and self-validation. ut arguably, women are looking for reassurance, no woman wants to be painted as aggressive, so women over-compensate and deny us the power we know we have.