Overused Words We Can’t Stop Saying
“Right?!” – The Overused Words We Can’t Stop Saying (Even When We Know Better, Right?)
Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately—word clutter. You know what I mean, right? Those words we sprinkle into conversation like salt on fries. Sometimes they enhance the flavor, but too much and you’ve got a sentence soaked in sodium.
We all do it. We all have our favorite filler, fallback, catch-all crutch words. Actually. Literally. Like. Honestly. You know? And for me… it’s “right?”
Yes. Right.
I hear myself do it, right? I’ll be mid-sentence, making a strong point, commanding the room, bringing the fire—and then suddenly I toss in a “right?” like I’m asking for permission to keep going. Or validation. Or, I don't know… a cookie?
Here’s how it goes:
“So, when you think about your brand message, you really want to connect emotionally, right? Because people buy from people, right? And your story—that’s the bridge, right?”
RIGHT? I know. I hear it too. It’s like an echo chamber in my head and on the recording. I play back a podcast or video and there it is again… “right?”
But here’s the thing—awareness is the first step, right?
The Repeat Offenders: Words We Love a Little Too Much
Let’s take a moment to laugh at ourselves (because humor is always the better choice, right?) and list a few of the most overused, over-loved, totally default words in our modern vocabulary:
Literally – Even when it’s figuratively.
Actually – As if your credibility hinges on this moment of actualization.
Honestly – Were you lying before?
Like – The 80s called and… you know.
You know? – Yes, I do. But tell me anyway.
Basically – Basically the word that means… nothing.
Totally – Which usually means partially.
Absolutely – Unless it’s just “probably.”
Right? – The star of today’s blog. You see what I did there, right?
These words sneak into our speech when our brains need a second to catch up. They soften the edge, fill the silence, and help us sound more conversational—until we realize we’re relying on them like a comfort blanket. Or a verbal crutch with extra padding, right?
Why It Matters
Now before you think I’m suggesting we all turn into grammar snobs and start handing out demerits at dinner parties—relax. Communication is about connection, not perfection. But when our words start to clutter instead of clarify, we lose the power in our message. And if you’re a speaker, writer, or anyone with a pulse trying to make a point… clarity matters. Right?
I mean, think about it—what would happen if we paused, took a breath, and trusted our words to stand on their own? What if we let the sentence end without needing a “right?” at the end? (I’m sweating just thinking about it.)
A Fun Little Challenge (Because Why Not, Right?)
Try this: Pick one word from your personal list of "frequent flyers." Then go a whole day (okay, an hour… baby steps) without saying it. Notice how often it wants to slip in. Catch it. Smile. Maybe even whisper “not today, right?”
And if your go-to word is “right?”—welcome to the club. You’re in good company, right?
We’re all working on it. One word at a time.
Your Turn:
What’s the word you overuse without even thinking about it? Drop it in the comments below, and don’t worry—we won’t judge. We’ll just say, “same.”
Want help tightening up your brand message so your words actually work for you (not against you)? Let's talk—seriously. No “right?” required.
With clarity, confidence, and connection,
Laura T. 🧡💚💙
Chief Instigator @ 30 Second Success
