2006-12-07 02:58:06 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It's a way of saying, I'm listening, keep talking' just a reassurance to the person talking. It's also used by counsellors etc. particularly if they are talking on the phone, lets the other person know they are actually there and listening
2006-12-07 03:09:48 · answer #1 · answered by mike-from-spain 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do it to pretend like they're paying attention. They think an occasional "mmm" is somehow acknowledging what the other person is saying.
I know a woman who did this to me incessantly. I realized that she wasn't listening, so I'd just start saying really crazy things or putting together words that didn't even make a sentence. Then I'd say, "Don't you agree?"
When that got old, I just started doing it back to her - 10 times as much. Every third word, I'd say, "mmm" to her. She stopped for a while, but then fell back into the habit, so I minimize my talks with her.
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2006-12-07 03:03:24 · answer #2 · answered by FozzieBear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends completely on the situation - the inflection in the voice, the look on the persons face, the body language.
Sometimes it means - I'm listening.. I get you.. I understand.. keep going...
Sometimes it means... I completely agree!
Sometimes it means... I heard your words, but I don't yet understand where you are going with this.. give me more details so that I can completely refute your theory.
Sometimes in means.... Give me a minute to come up with a polite response becasue I completely disagree with you and I don't want to hurt your feelings
Sometimes it means... are you insane? Have you lost your mind?
Sometimes it does mean... Damn! I should've been paying attention but I wasn't and now I feel bad so I should pretend that I was paying attention so that he/she will continue and be happy.... (Along with the mmm.. smile and nod people... smile and nod)
Sometimes it means... I can practically smell that good food you are describing to me! or... I can smell the cookies from the bakery across the street...
and it has many many other meanings....
:O) Enjoy!
2006-12-07 06:19:03 · answer #3 · answered by River 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a way of 'backchanneling,' i.e. signalling continued interest in a conversation without interrupting it.
What 'mmm' means in a particular conversation depends on tone. This one can be used to convey quite a variety of reactions.
2006-12-07 04:05:26 · answer #4 · answered by The angels have the phone box. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me it's typically a way of showing that I am listening without interupting the person who's talking.
2006-12-07 10:40:01 · answer #5 · answered by Smashley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mmm
2006-12-07 03:01:21 · answer #6 · answered by Buck Flair 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey ! say it .mmm.. everytime my hubby said
2006-12-07 03:10:00
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answer #7
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answered by doll56 2
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Mostly out of habit but I read somewhere that we do it to let the other person know that we are listening. I think I read it in 'men are from mars...' etc. Men don't need to do it, because they don't listen anyway and don't care who knows it... (talking about the men I know here, NOT all men).
2006-12-07 03:07:25 · answer #8 · answered by Jo_Diva 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
One explaination is that they are trying to be ladylike and not say "Codswallop" or Buuullll stuffings!
LOL Ph.D.
I thought it was their motor running and in bottom gear, engine reving for when the clutch connecting to mouth engages!
Just kidding ladies, please don't beat us up.... we are men, after all.
Charles "that Cheeky Lad"
2006-12-07 03:05:20 · answer #9 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey! Atleast acknowledge the fact that they are indeed listening!
2006-12-07 03:05:35 · answer #10 · answered by Yvonne Mystic 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋