0

Sometimes, I might say 'Man', as the precursor to a statement as in this recent example I said to myself after reading something: "Man, to give anything a label will always technically be reductive, and thereby cause assumptions..." or "Man, there are a lot of people here."

I don't like using 'man' since it sounds too casual to me, and I've never used 'gee' since it sounds outdated. I sometimes use a 'Hmm,', but it sounds pretentious. "Eureka" eureka wouldn't quite fit the situation here.

To simply omit the exclamation changes the implication of the sentence, indicating it is a fact, rather than something that came from your thoughts.

Right now, my choice of interjection would be a brief "Hnn,". Can anyone suggest a nice more 'scientific' alternative, maybe something you've seen on a show, read an intellectual say, or use yourself?

Side Note: Google's dictionary (oxford pocket) doesn't actually list 'gee' as a synonym for 'man', maybe this should be added.

Improve this question
7
  • 2
    When prefacing a "profound" statement you could use certainly, indeed, gee, man, wow, and a host of others. But none of these interjections has precisely the same feel as the others, and feel is important.
    – Robusto
    Nov 10, 2018 at 15:08
  • I suggest, "You know, to give anything a label will always technically be reductive, and thereby cause assumptions..."
    – chasly - supports Monica
    Nov 10, 2018 at 15:16
  • 2
    You don't need to provide an interjection at all . . .
    – Jason Bassford
    Nov 10, 2018 at 17:37
  • I am going to vote to close this question, as any answer would be opinion.. However, I use: (yes) well............, eh............, really............, so,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. among others.
    – J. Taylor
    Nov 10, 2018 at 23:02
  • 1
    closing question? jeesh!
    – lbf
    Nov 10, 2018 at 23:35

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

Perhaps, the item being looked for was not an alternative interjection, but a form of more effective communication.

When stating something to another person, starting with their name is very effective.

  • "Milva, there are a lot of people here today."

When stating something to yourself, or others, just using body language to indicate you are thinking, like a tilted head, or eyes cast slightly downwards, is less casual than 'man'.

  • /Tilts head 5 degrees/ "There are a lot of people here today."
Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.