filler words

Noun

filler word (plural filler words)

1. A word used to fill space in conversation, especially when one is thinking or is uncertain.
   • One of the most frequent words we hear is the one we attach to nerves. This word is often described as a 'filler word'. For example, when we are asked to do something that makes us a little nervous […] all of a sudden, we notice we fill any pause or nervous point with our 'filler word'. For many...2021, Amy Jacobson, chapter 8, in Emotional Intelligence, page 92

   Synonyms:

   filled pause