Linguistics question...?

Question

I've been wondering... does anyone know what the linguistical term for words that people will add to their sentences that lack the true meaning of that word, for example, in english we hear the word "like" quite a bit, even when it's not describing what it means.

Here are some sentences...

And she was like...
I am like, so angry
He drank like fifty glasses of water

In a way it is a filler word but I still wonder if anyone can help me out here.

Answer 1

These sorts of words or sounds are often called "verbal pauses" , Sites and sources related to public speaking are always advising folks about how to avoid them.

For example:
'It is perfectly acceptable to pause at points during your presentation; you do not have to speak continuously. Do not let brief silences rattle you. Determine appropriate ''stopping points,'' and build pauses into the body of the presentation. Appropriately placed pauses can be quite dramatic and effective in getting the audience's attention.'
http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/pedagogy/class-pres-skills.shtml

Compare:
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/07/eliminating-verbal-pauses/
http://bluecigar.org/?s=verbal&searchsubmit=Find
__________________

These words are also sometimes called "filler words" -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filler_(linguistics)
http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/presentscs.htm

Answer 2

Actually the linguistic term that you're looking for is exactly what you said it was -- a 'filler word'. 'Well' is another one, as it has many different meanings, including as a filler word, and 'actually' can also be used as a filler (see the first word of my answer!) The use of 'like' as you have described it (i.e. as a filler) is actually quite a new addition to the language -- it has only been around for 10 or 15 years or so. It's a feature of spoken English but should not be used in written English.

Answer 3

well the word "like" in the second sentence is unecessary but the others are replacements for

"and she said"
"he drank about fifty glasses of water"

not sure what your question is

Answer 4

In greek we name such phrases/words "adverbal expressions", because they function like adverbs. I don't know how this is named in english grammar! So far as "like" is concerned, it is actually an adverb meaning "almost".