The word 'um' has been around for over a thousand years.
Even in Old English texts from around the 11th century, speakers were already using versions of 'um' to pause and gather their thoughts. These filler sounds, or 'hesitation markers,' aren't just random—our brains use them to hold the conversational floor. Different languages have their own versions too, like 'eh' in French or 'ano' in Japanese. So next time you 'um' your way through a sentence, know you’re part of an ancient linguistic club.