Like As We Know It
Filler words, such as like, so, OK, you know, I mean, um, uh are often used unconsciously to signal a pause in thought whilst maintaining conversational flow. There is however a stigma attached to filler word over-users who are often stereotyped as spoiled, unintelligent adolescent females who are obsessed with material items.
Contemporary media—particularly mainstream cinema—has enforced this stereotype by depicting superficial images of young women, specifically in teen genre films. Based on the research of sociolinguist Alexandra D’Arcy, this project seeks to explore the use of filler words in film scripts within teen genre film, after Valley Girl (1983).
An analysis of three films within the genre, produced approximately a decade apart were studied in order to observe any change in language over time. The films are Clueless (1995), Mean Girls (2004) and The Duff (2015). This selection is based on the criteria of a female main character, a classic school setting and themes addressing coming of age issues such as struggling with identity and acceptance.
