Yes, I’ve noticed it and it’s annoying.
So what? :)
Yeah, I’ve noticed it too, and it’s like nails on a chalkboard.
I’d say it’s a nearly universally understood—though often probably subconsciously—way to attempt to change the subject or redirect it more narrowly. I can’t think of another more succinct formula that accomplishes that.
HF
I’ve noticed it, and I’ve also noticed that it’s sometimes a signal that the upcoming answer is going to be irrelevant to the question.
It’s annoying, but not as annoying as “here’s the thing.”
I have noticed that as well. I have also noticed people using the word “literally” incorrectly/and commonly. “I was literally sick to my stomach” or “I literally had to sit down” (both cases NOT involving throwing up or having to sit down). A pet peeve of mine...
So I am, like, so with you.
I think of Pink Floyd.
“So”
This reminds me of the story of the little boy who, upstairs sick in bed, asked his mother, “What did you bring this book I wanted to be read to out of up for?”
Lot’s of grammar is being ignored because of the internet. Using “so” to start a response, is more like finishing the questioner’s thought for them, restating what the other person has said and re-interpreting it at the same. James Taranto at the WSJ used a word for this concept, but I’ll be darned if I remember it. I had to look it up at the time. It is meant to be a trick, that’s why it is annoying.
So like, when someone says “so”, OK, like, every few words OK, that like, bothers you? So, what are you, OK, like picky? Right?
There are things that bother me a whole lot more than “so”.
The interview with Caroline Kennedy comes to mind, OK?
Yes, I have also noticed it. It seems that “so” is being used to begin sentences more often these days, and “like” is being used less frequently.
I do not believe that schools are putting enough (for our preferences and sensibilities, anyway) emphasis on proper usage and grammar.
I doubt this situation will ever improve, with the broad acceptance of ethnic speech patterns and all of the social media impacts on language and communications.
So this seems to be a trend?
Yes, I have noticed it. Been hearing it for last several months on TV, Congressional hearings, etc. It is annoying and drives me nuts. I too, would like the answer to your questions.
Publick skreowels.
A needle pulling thread?
:)
The poor speaking habits of the illiterate, TV addled masses have a way of infecting everyone else. I have to lecture several times each month so I'm always vigilant of picking up new speech-crap in my own habits! It's surprising how easily it can happen.
Yes, I noticed this trend well over two years ago.
I began hearing the “So”, as the first word in reply to a question, primarily from the High-Tech community.
It seems to be an attempt to replace the word “Well”, which was standard fair as the first word uttered when replying to a question.
So, you’re saying that SO at the beginning of a sentence annoys you? So should we stop saying it? So, OK, I’ll stop saying it. So you’ll be happy?
So now let’s work on LIKE: you know, like man know what I’m sayin?
And what prepositions shouldn’t we end a sentence with?