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The rise of empty phrases

Readers take aim at imported US speech patterns and overused conversational fillers

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Thu Jun 04 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, - Lately imported from USA, taken to heart by Ireland’s youth and can be heard ad nauseam on buses, trains, Dart and Luas is the meaningless phrase that precedes all stories of personal activity: “I was like,” – Yours, etc,

TERRY CRAWFORD,

Sutton,

Dublin 13.

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Sir, – “I think it’s important to say ...” and “That’s an important question“. Ubiquitous and moronic. – Yours, etc,

EUGENE TANNAM,

Firehouse,

Dublin 24.

Sir, – It is what it is.

BRIGID PIKE,

Stillorgan,

Dublin.