Americans’ Growing Awareness of Speech Habits: The Filler Word Phenomenon

In recent years, Americans have become increasingly self-conscious about how they speak, particularly regarding the use of filler words that pepper everyday conversation. According to research by Preply, a global online language learning platform, Google searches for “filler words” have surged by 144% in just a month, indicating a heightened awareness of our speech patterns. This awareness has manifested in social media challenges where participants attempt to record themselves speaking for 30-60 seconds without using any filler words—a task that proves surprisingly difficult for most. While filler words like “um,” “so,” and “like” have become nearly invisible in our daily interactions, this growing consciousness suggests we’re beginning to pay more attention to what linguists have studied for decades: the subtle verbal crutches that shape our communication style.

The history of filler words in American speech reveals interesting patterns about our evolving culture. Linguists trace the prominence of these speech patterns to the mid-20th century, when spontaneous conversation became more prevalent in public forums—from radio broadcasts to business meetings. Each era has contributed its signature fillers to the American lexicon. The 1980s “Valley Girl” dialect from Southern California cemented “like” as the quintessential hesitation word for generations to follow, while the tech industry boom helped establish “so” as both a transition word and thought connector that now permeates professional settings as much as casual conversations. By 2024, Preply’s national survey found that a staggering 98% of Americans admit to using filler words regularly, with “um,” “so,” and “like” emerging as the most common across the country. Regional differences persist, with California leading the nation in “like” usage, while 34 states default to “um” as their primary pause-filler.

Beyond the ubiquitous filler words, Americans report several other speech habits they’re concerned about. Many admit to talking too fast, over-apologizing, and using excessive profanity in their daily communications. Approximately a quarter of survey respondents acknowledged that they “talk too much”—a habit that often correlates with increased filler word usage. Language expert Sylvia Johnson points out the interconnected nature of these speech patterns: “When we speak too quickly, we tend to use more filler words. By slowing down, we give ourselves more time to find the right word or phrase and reduce the need for fillers.” This insight reveals that filler words aren’t isolated quirks but often symptoms of broader communication patterns. Johnson suggests that pauses can be powerful communication tools, giving listeners time to absorb information rather than filling every moment of silence with sound. For many Americans, learning to embrace these pauses represents a significant challenge in speech improvement.

Despite the growing self-consciousness about speech habits, not all linguistic quirks are viewed negatively. Preply’s research revealed that more than 80% of people with accents or regional dialects expressed pride in these distinctive speech patterns. Half of those who’ve relocated to new regions or countries reported making no attempt to alter their speech to fit in, choosing instead to embrace their linguistic identity as part of their personal heritage. This suggests a fascinating dichotomy in American attitudes toward speech: while we scrutinize ourselves for universal filler words like “um” and “like,” we simultaneously celebrate the unique regional and cultural markers in our speech. The distinction appears to be between unintentional verbal habits versus intentional expressions of identity and background. This balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance represents a nuanced relationship with language that many Americans are navigating in their daily communications.

The impact of speech habits extends beyond personal identity into both professional and personal relationships. Approximately 74% of Americans believe their speech patterns affect career prospects, reflecting concerns that excessive filler words might project insecurity or lack of preparation in professional settings. Interestingly, fewer respondents—only 43%—felt their speech habits impacted their dating lives or personal relationships, suggesting we may hold ourselves to different standards depending on context. The study also found that those closest to us—romantic partners, friends, and parents—were most likely to correct grammar or pronunciation, creating both supportive feedback loops and occasional tensions around speech improvement. These findings highlight the social dimensions of speech habits, where different environments carry different expectations, pressures, and consequences for how we communicate.

For those looking to reduce filler word usage and improve their overall communication clarity, language experts offer several practical strategies. Recording yourself speaking provides immediate awareness of patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed in the flow of conversation. Practicing strategic pauses—allowing brief moments of silence rather than filling every gap—can dramatically reduce filler word dependency while actually enhancing your authority as a speaker. Expanding your vocabulary through reading, word games, or language classes gives your brain more options to pull from during conversation, reducing the need for verbal placeholders. Slowing down your overall speaking pace allows your thoughts to catch up with your words, naturally eliminating many fillers. Finally, reframing habitual expressions—like swapping apologetic language for gratitude—can transform not just how you speak but how you’re perceived. As Johnson reminds us, “Improving speech habits is a journey and not an overnight process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make, however small it may seem!” This compassionate approach recognizes that our relationship with language continues to evolve throughout our lives, just as language itself evolves through generations of speakers.