Täytesanahyökkäys

Täytesanahyökkäys, sometimes translated as filler word attack or stop-word attack, is a linguistic tactic used in speech and sometimes in writing to disrupt or obfuscate communication. It involves the excessive and often unnatural use of filler words such as "ööh," "tuota," "niinku," "siis," "et," and others. The primary goal of a täytesanahyökkäys is not to convey meaning, but to gain time, avoid answering a question directly, or to make a statement seem more hesitant or less certain than it might otherwise be.

This technique is frequently observed in political discourse, interviews, and public speaking, where individuals may employ filler words to stall for time while formulating a response, to avoid committing to a definitive answer, or to appear more thoughtful or relatable. However, when used excessively, it can have the opposite effect, leading the listener to perceive the speaker as unprepared, dishonest, or lacking in confidence. The repetitive and often meaningless nature of the filler words can frustrate the audience and detract from the intended message.

In some contexts, particularly in improvised speech or when dealing with complex topics under pressure, a moderate use of filler words is a natural part of communication. The term "täytesanahyökkäys" specifically refers to a deliberate and exaggerated application of this phenomenon, moving beyond natural speech patterns into a communicative strategy. Recognizing this tactic can help listeners critically evaluate the speaker's intentions and the substance of their message.