The Power and Pitfalls of Expletives in Language

Expletiveness refers to the use of words or phrases that have little or no semantic meaning, but are used to add emphasis, fill pauses, or convey attitude. These words or phrases are often called "expletives" because they serve as a kind of filler or punctuation in speech.

Examples of expletives include:

* Profanity (e.g., swear words, curse words)
* Filler words (e.g., "um," "like")
* Discourse markers (e.g., "you know," "I mean")
* Interjections (e.g., "oh," "wow")

Expletives can serve a variety of functions in language, such as:

* Emphasizing a point or idea
* Expressing strong emotions or attitudes
* Filling pauses or gaps in speech
* Signaling a shift in topic or tone

However, expletives can also be seen as negative or offensive in certain contexts, and their use can be subject to social norms and taboos. For example, profanity is often considered inappropriate in formal or professional settings, while discourse markers like "um" and "like" may be seen as unprofessional or immature.

Overall, expletiveness is a complex and multifaceted aspect of language that can serve both positive and negative functions, depending on the context and the intentions of the speaker.