Re: Why do they do this?
 

erm, ahh, oohhh, oh, ahem, and my favorite, ey'up

Re: Why do they do this?
 

I've noticed that Canadians use the word "awesome" in the same way that Brits use the word "brilliant".

In Canada, "brilliant" is rarely used in casual conversation unless they were talking about someone who is rather gifted in intelligence. That's been my observation! :cool:

Re: Why do they do this?
 

I think such words are called "fillers". French has lots of them, like "alors".

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Thank you for your response. My question was more based on my interest with the evolution of languages and dialect. Some responses have been unhelpful, along the lines of "well if you don't like it, leave"

Actually the example you gave is totally familiar to me. I'm citing situations where there is no need to use a segue or cushion. This is the big difference. Also, verbally the word "so" is more reasonable as it is used to attract attention.

But my observation about it in Canada is that people use it extensively in formal writing, rather than blogging or text messaging. This is what I don't really understand.

Anyway thank you again for providing some context.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

You lot are a tough crowd. I'm not doing stand up in this forum again.

It was not meant to be a stupid question. I'm genuinely curious as to whether there's a reason, or if it's just a habit with no reason.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

The reason you got the responses you did was how you phrased the question.

To me it sounded pompous and condescending towards Canadians.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

It's a habit I think.

My peeve - why do North Americans only have "issues" never "problems"?

Re: Why do they do this?
 

I agree, and speak proper English why don't you ;)

I personally love that word 'Awesome!' and 'Right on!" If you say that in their way they laugh with you, as it must sound quite funny hearing it from us in our British accent :)

I could not stop laughing for a good 6 months when I got here as I commonly only got told, "I love your sexy British accent!"

And at work too, one colleague of mine had not seen me all week as I work shifts. She asked where I'd been, looking pleased to see me.
I asked her, "Why did you miss me?"
And she said, "yes I did, I missed your lovely British accent, where have you been?"

Too funny. And that is another saying of theirs over here I love.. "Too Funny"

I am acquiring their lingo, not the american slang mind you, and my GPS in the car is always set to English English, not American English ;)

If anyone else loves my sexy british accent I will take them for a spin in my car and they can listen to my GPS instead. Ha ha.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

I think issue is a better term for saying problem, personally. I've no problem with that, in fact, it is always intriguing and listening to the differences, don't you think? :)

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Oh and another funny thing that happened in my first job over here, was when I said I was knackered.

They found that word highly amusing, and asked me, "What does knackered mean?"

I explained that it is what I am feeling right now ;)

Then I explained it more simplified and said, it means.. very tired.

Funny hearing them saying knackered all week after that at work. They told me they really liked that term :)

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Also here the Canadians tend to say.. Super hot, or Super cold.

We say, very hot, or very cold.

Replace very with super over here and it fits well.. heh! I still say very but sometimes I say.. super.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Kudos to you

means, "well done to you", or words to that effect.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

And the Canadians I mostly find love our terminology, accent, if you speak proper that is and without a cigarette in your mouth ;)

And also our terms, such as, "I will try anything once, and twice if I like it"

They love our sayings, I have had many say, I love that word, or that saying.

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Oh! Absolutely!
(There's another one - but not confined to Canada):D

Re: Why do they do this?
 

Totally agree. That is a favourite English word of mine.. Absolutely, I always used to say that back home. Think I still do?