Why do people say "needless to say"?

Question

just before saying something that they apparently feel is not necessary to say?

Answer 1

Needless to say - they shouldn't.

Answer 2

It does mean that the speaker is going to state the obvious. However, I would suggest that there are two reasons that they might actually do so.

First, it may be that they are buying time to think of what they really want to say.

Second, they may be using this as an veiled insult, like telling the person, "Well, you'd have to be stupid not to know ..."

Because of these uses, it hangs around in our language. It is synonymous with saying, "Obviously ...," which serves the same two purposes in normal usage (buying time and insulting the listener).

Answer 3

This is one of those ridiculous phrases that still exists because people do not realize how silly it sounds. Most people that use phrasing similar to this don't even realize they said something idiotic.
Using the word obviously is similar, if it is obvious than the word 'obvious' doesn't need to be said. If it isn't obvious...using the word obviously is just plain rude.

Answer 4

You're absolutely right. It's like, if it's "needless to say" then why are you bothering to? I think this may qualify as an oxymoron.

Answer 5

Running up their word count, man. Same as when they say "And here's someone who needs no introduction" and then spend the next ten minutes introducing him.

Answer 6

it's another way of saying you're pointing out the obvious. But I know what you mean.