It is almost a cliche' word and is overused by a lot of people even the professional broadcaster that should know better
2006-09-11 00:09:47 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
No chance. I've been trying since the 70s. Basically, it's a word used by people who want to convince other people that they've got it right, know what they're talking about and aren't too ready to listen to other people's opinions.
2006-09-11 00:14:33 · answer #1 · answered by cymry3jones 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, you are literally correct. But seriously, which would you rather have, ad infinitum, the word "basically" or a bunch of "ers" "ums" and "ahems"?
Basically, basically and all the other overused words like it, are just placeholders and time-savers ... verbal tics on a par with "Y'know" and "Like", only marginally more socially correct.
They should know better, but then a professional broadcaster is kind of a bottom-feeder in the world of communications/entertainment.
2006-09-11 00:14:10 · answer #2 · answered by Grendle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I must admit I am a 'basically' person. It looks and sounds nice (sorry, iffy word) but also explains that what you are about to say is a brief version. Then again, I also use 'apparently', which perhaps shows a lack of confidence, as it is widely recognised as a prefix denoting information of doubtful truth.
2006-09-11 00:22:42 · answer #3 · answered by Silkie1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically people use the cliche when they are nervous and are thinking of a response to a question, or finding time to think about what to say next. Also 'Exactly!' when they cannot answer...
2006-09-11 00:12:30 · answer #4 · answered by Pan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Basically, you are probably right. However your question is basically wrong, because basically a lot of people like the word basically.
2006-09-11 00:17:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you abolish the word basically what are you going to replace it with? Afterall it was there for a reason.....
2006-09-11 00:17:19 · answer #6 · answered by break 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
basically I think that the word is utilised by politicians to pad out a basically otherwise basic sentence. To abolish it would basically be pointless and basically errrrm basic?!
2006-09-11 00:16:49 · answer #7 · answered by the thinker 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He fell in the mud.
People basically think they sound intelligent when they use the word basically.
People think they sound intelligent when they use the word basically.
Its a word that does not need to be used. Just connect the word before and after "basically" and your sentence will deliver the same impact.
2014-02-27 04:34:18 · answer #8 · answered by Michael 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, along with "literally" which is usually used to mean "metaphorically" ie. the opposite meaning: example - "the final goal was literally the icing on the cake"
Also, "with respect" which usually means "I think you are scum" - "With respect, you are talking absolute rubbish".
2006-09-11 00:14:14 · answer #9 · answered by hallam_blue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree!
"Literally" is another word that should be banned. Especially for use by TV chefs!
2006-09-11 01:08:43 · answer #10 · answered by anna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋