That obnoxious four-letter word

I’ve been noticing how frequently we use the word “just”.  I mean, I’m just curious at the various ways that that four-letter word slips into welcoming comments on formal occasions, for example, as well as in other random exchanges.  Have you noticed too from the following?

I just want to welcome you to this evening’s special presentation by our distinguished guest lecturer… (Does the M.C. feel somewhat guilty about interrupting the audience in order to merely or simply utter a welcoming statement?)

At this point I just want to invite you to pick up the program outlining the order in which… (Is the moderator feeling awkward about leading the audience in reviewing the program before them?)

I just called because I just want to ask whether… (The caller seems uncomfortable.  Why?  In other words, “It’s a small thing, I know, and you may likely find it inconvenient even to consider my request – let alone follow through…”)

Just tell me if you are free to… (OK, in the American style of direct communication and with no “beating about the bush”, be honest and give me a clear answer. I get that.)

I just think that we are going about this in a way that will prove unproductive.

As a result I find myself with an uncomfortable sense that often those who insert the adverb[1], “just”, to modify the verb in the sentence, are not actually intending to do so.  When we include it as is popularly done, it acts as a kind of, “um”, as a filler word, and technically irrelevant to the communication. Consider, “I just want to welcome…”  Does the speaker’s use of the word “just” as an adverb imply “merely want to”, “actually want to”, “precisely want to”, or “barely want to”, per the dictionary meaning of just?

I just want to understand, you see.

I am serious about raising this question, especially when I hear that four-letter word so frequently being inserted in people’s praying!  Listen in:

“Oh, Lord, we just want to pray that you will just, well, just bless my brother.  Just… just, how shall I say it, but you know what I mean, so just be with him, Lord.”

“Lord, you know what we are facing, that it is… It’s just a big decision.  And we really need you to, well, just help us.”

Ask someone to listen in – without informing others - next time your small group prays, then consider reporting what is heard. Does anyone else find its over-use even a little annoying?

Just try it.

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adverb (Dictionary.com)

·         within a brief preceding time; but a moment before:  The sun just came out.

·         exactly or precisely: This is just what I mean.

·         by a narrow margin; barely: The arrow just missed the mark.

·         only or merely:  He was just a clerk until he became ambitious.

·         actually; really; positively: The weather is just glorious.