When I set out to share a word for today (word of the day), I realized it would be more effective to show, really show you than to tell you. Just as well not to tell sometimes, you know? Some words are easier to explain by showing than telling. Everyone’s always telling, you know? Telling this. Telling that. Don’t you think that also sometimes? If you think so too, you know, you most likely do, so why don’t we just go ahead and go with that?
In case you’re beginning to wonder, and who in their right mind doesn’t wonder now and then? You should understand—please understand—I haven’t lost mine. Mind you, I don’t know though, do you really mind about my mind in particular or can you simply muster mind over matter? Ha, or does it even matter?
I’m simply attempting to exemplify the peculiar, very peculiar pathology of verbigeration (ver-bij-uh-REY-shuhn), in which one engages in the constant or obsessive repetition of meaningless words or phrases. Super meaningless words or phrases, like you know, I don’t know, know what I mean? Lots of unnecessary little words thrown in, sometimes every other word it seemingly seems. Like, really meaningless words or phrases, you know? Like, taking, like, forever ever to say almost nothing. Interestingly, “verbigeration” entered English in the late 1800s from the Latin verbigerāre, meaning “to chat, converse.” Chat or converse, or not chatty and then, you know, like wham bam, conversely chatty? What do you think about that, my little mockingbird? Mocking, mocking, mocking, but only maybe so so mocking, you know? Right?
Photo of a mockingbird by benjamint444 via Wikimedia Commons
LOL!! Have you any idea, any at all, how hard that was to read at 4:30 A.M.? I mean, sheesh, that was like, you know, making my brain go in a circle and then back again, round and round, thinking “what the heck?” Then to finish it off with the lovely, yet intimidating, picture of a mocking bird, which I have never seen before. Such a face with an attitude!! Hahahaha, Thanks for the good morning laugh. Yes, my brain will be scrambled for the rest of the day and, yes, I will also avoid a certain person in my office that really talks like that. It’s just too much verbigeration! (How much that sounds like reverberation, which it does have a certain amount of.) 🙂
It wasn’t much easier at 2.20pm either!
I am happy to know there is a word for this problem. How easy it is to be repetitive and not even realize it until someone points it out or you hear a recording of yourself. Than can’t be me??!!! I know I am guilty of this myself at times despite trying to be otherwise. I was listening to This American Life on NPR the other night on the way home from the Tea, and the discussion was about how the younger generation has this sing song quality to their talking on top of the repetition of words like , like, or you know, etc. It was noted how these traits annoy the older generation, but pointing such repetitions out only irritates the younger generation who keep talking the way they wish. The commentator was young himself and was interviewing other young professionals who work in the radio and other speaking lines of business. Their conclusion to the problem? We old folks just have to get over it! That is our only option? Really?
I’m afraid that sing-songy tone is contagious Winnie. One of my friends (WAY older than me I might point out) does the same thing. If you think it is grating when the younger generations do it, you should try listening to a 72 year old talk that way!
Kinda reminds me of politicians…