Verbal ticks can drive you crazy

I had to laugh while reading the May 8 article about the University of Iowa (which is my alma mater) assistant finance professor, Phil Davies, fining his students for misusing the word “like” in their speaking. These misuses are called verbal ticks.

Another very common one is “ya know.” This one has driven me crazy for years. I became hooked using this through a wonderful co-worker at Cryovac, Hazel Pettit, now deceased. She used “ya know” constantly and my fellow co-workers began pointing out that I was using it constantly.

I began a determined effort to stop the usage, but it was almost impossible. Even today when I am around people who say “ya know” a lot, I find myself slipping back into saying it. It's a subconscious thing, and you don't catch yourself until after you've said it!

Jocks say it constantly, along with Mrs. Obama. Members of the Catholic singles group here in the Cedar Rapids area, whom I love to drive crazy by pointing it out every time they do it. Listen to the television as well as your friends, you will be amazed how often it is said. Be warned, it can drive you nuts, and I would know.

Edward L. Castelein

Cedar Rapids