# What's the linguistic term for this word usage?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-linguistic-term-for-this-word-usage/425672>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 8, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-linguistic-term-for-this-word-usage/425672 "2007-11-08T17:19:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\
**Post date:** [November 8, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-linguistic-term-for-this-word-usage/425672/1 "2007-11-08T17:19:55Z")

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In the [like thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=443282), somebody mentions the annoying habit of people who constantly say “awesome”. I have to admit I say fairly frequently (or the less noticeable “great”). When I say it, it’s generally to acknowledge that I’ve heard what the other person has said and I approve. It’s a more positive reaction that “OK” or “I see” and also subtly implies a “thank you”. Is there a term for this utterance?