Um
/ʌm/noun
A filler used to indicate hesitation, uncertainty, or a pause in speech.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient roots, English filler “um” is an imitative hesitation sound, but it became so socially powerful that speakers use it to manage turn-taking and soften uncertainty.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
um
“A hesitation sound used while speaking”
20th Century
English
um
“Standardized in writing as a representation of spoken hesitation”
19th Century
English
um
“Recorded in print as a conversational filler and pause marker”
Earlier Spoken English
English
um
“Natural vocalized hesitation sound in speech”