Why does everyone start every sentence with the word "SO" now?

So, let me think about that. Usually it's an unconscious technique to allow a split second more to think about what it about to be said. Much like not letting one's mouth get ahead of one's brain.

I know exactly where it started. It started on the show 'The O.C.' Thats the first place I ever heard it. Up until that show came out I had never heard anyone else start their sentences with "so." The O.C. was a very popular show and it seems like all the current silicon valley'ish, up and coming dot commer types and financial gurus, and CEO's, watched the show and are now incorporating "so" at the beginning of their sentences when answering a question while being interviewed on CNBC, bloomberg, CNN, or what have you. And take it from me, I have been trading stocks for a little over 10 years which means I watch these channels pretty much all morning every day. It didnt start happening until The O.C. came out.

After first noticing, then constantly encountering this extremely annoying usage, about two years ago, I thought I might be imagining it. But I heard it SO often, from SO many sources that I became curious about its origin in recent years. It's been driving (not MAKING) me CRAZY!

This site is shedding some light on the matter and I'm glad for that. However, since I simply HATE this usage, from now on when I hear it, I'm going to point blank ask the person: "Why do you start every remark you make with the word SO. Would you please stop it?" (It's so damn distracting to have to listen to that. I call it "so saying." It's almost like a joke.) I just want to make sure to bring it to the so-sayer's attention to see if they even realize they're doing it.

By the way,I have a similar reaction to overuse of the word ISSUES, as in traffic reports that say "There's an issue at the junction of Rtes.81 and 82," instead of ACCIDENT or JAMS, or whatever may be the case. It looks like some effort to completely avoid using the word "problem." (Why? What's wrong with that perfectly fine word. Not everything has to be REFRAMED. And hell-- some things are problems, not issues: i.e., facts and not up for debate. Like whatever is causing the traffic snag. "Whatever"...)

Starting A Sentence With So

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Why does everyone start every sentence with the word "SO" now?

It is completely unneccessary and I find it terribly annoying. Whenever people do this, I feel that whatever else they say has no merit because it does not sound like an intelligent way to use the English language properly. It's as bad as saying "like" too much and it reminds me of...

Since I posted this I have also learned that the habit of "So saying" started in Silicon Valley when geeks were getting rready to explain a highly technical respomse that required a sort of computer lesson before actually answering the question that was posed. I can actually understand that usage, but now people on talk shows use it to some superior while answering questions abou how to put fronsting on a cupcake and what not. *sigh*

Beginning A Sentence With So

It's not as bad as when people start every sentence with the word "literally"

I blame the ineptness of communication technologies. I assume when people who insisted on using their phones as if they were (less functional) walkie-talkies (Nextel, et al) realized their first word was not being heard by their listener they began the practice adding an otherwise pointless syllable to the beginning of their sentences. Not that anyone who used their phone as a "push-to-talk" device ever had anything worth while to say, but they were usually very self-important, and needed to announce they they were about to say something grand. "So", "Right", "Well", "OK" - all were used, but "So" became the most common. Today, it probably persists by self-important people who feel the need to introduce their own pontifications with a pre-amble - sometimes with multiple usages for extra important statements. "So, right, well, OK, here is something awesome for you to hear from me..."

I agree it is incredibly irritating and I immediately feel I am speaking with someone who doesn't know what they are talking about.

My new thing, which might be just as irritating is to say "So what?" as soon as they start their sentence. I look at them directly as though I am truly waiting for a question. I can be hysterical to watch them re-boot.

This is yet another annoying abuse of the English language. The older I become, the more I notice how little pride those around me have in communicating proper grammar. I have also noticed a more liberal frequent use of expletives in just the most common of conversations. Individuals must strive to resist the influence of bad language through self control.