Kicker - Expelling verbal fillers

NICK EICHER, HOST: So, you know, let’s talk about—like—filler words.

Those words that we could “basically” omit from a sentence and really not miss?

REICHARD: Totally!

A London secondary school is cracking down on the use of those in the classroom.

Ark All Saints Academy issued students a comprehensive list of the verboten words. A few notable entries: Starting sentences with “ermmm…” “because,” “you see,” and “basically.”

I have to say, they may be on to something. The school principal said faculty banned those words and phrases so students would express themselves “clearly and accurately.”

Linguists have cried foul. They argue that putting such an emphasis on formal communication may cause students to hold off on communicating at all. Teachers responded, saying that slang is fine on the playground, but not in written classwork or classroom discussion.

My question: cutting some slang and filler words is great, but I have just one question: Can we do something about emojis?

REICHARD: I like emojis. Insert smiley face here.

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