Proper use of the English language

Why do some people start a comment/conversation or answer a question starting with, "I mean" when they haven't said anything prior?
I thought the intent of "I mean" is to clarify something that has already been said yet is a little confusing.
I have heard many celebrities to include athletes that have done the same when being interviewed.
Maybe this was accidental at first and then picked up steam. Will it continue or will it eventually stop?

*Note: I probably will not respond to comments, but will sit back and enjoy reading the responses. I mean, it could take up all of my time and be exhausting trying to defend my original post. 😁

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Rilyn · 31-35, F

Most people don't have English as their primary language. Try talking to foreigners here not knowing a tube of English working in the health sector. Its straight out of your nightmares.

hunkalove · 61-69, M

Have you noticed that quite often when people lie they begin with "Well" or "Oh"?

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

@hunkalove I hadn't noticed that, but it is probably accurate.

hunkalove · 61-69, M

@aldnazmeister Well, probably....

Magenta · F

It's probably just a speech habit they got into. I have a couple myself. Don't you? I mean, we probably all do, ;-)

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

@Magenta I probably do, but I would need someone to point it out. Like you said, we probably all do have some sort of speech habit that we got into without realizing it.

LamontCranston · M

Well exressed and rightly called out.

SW-User

I mean, I don't know...

SW-User

It think your first sentence is structurally wrong.

Perhaps you could adopt the following paraphrase.

‘Why do some people start a conversation or comment, alternately answer a question with “I mean”, when they have not said anything prior to this.’

HairbrushDiva · 31-35, F

I can't say I've noticed that.

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HairbrushDiva · 31-35, F

@aldnazmeister Maybe a sentence in the middle of a conversation, but not the first sentence spoken (which was what I thought you meant).

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

@HairbrushDiva that is exactly what I meant; someone starting a conversation with the words "I mean" without having said anything prior.

HairbrushDiva · 31-35, F

@aldnazmeister I don't think I've ever heard that.

Convivial · 26-30, F

Habit ...

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