There are plenty of internet search hits for "filler" words, and how not to use them. I'm not asking about these.
I would like to know if there is a name for language that people use which perhaps: aim to soften the sentence, make the sentence less formal, or are used subconsciously due to lack of confidence in what is being said / self confidence of the communicator.
Some examples:
- "Just" when not used instead of "only": "I just thought you'd like to be reminded of your meeting"
- "lol"/"haha" equivalents: "I like how you looked today haha"
- Sentences that don't get to the point: "I was wondering when you would be able to look at my report" vs "When will you be able to look at my report?"
Possibly these are all instances of beating around the bush. But it feels like there could be a more precise definition for these cases as what needs to be said is being said.