An account of general extenders ("or something", "and stuff", "or whatever"). Combining insights from linguistics, cognitive psychology, and interactional sociolinguistics, the author demonstrates that these small phrases are not simply vague expressions, but have a powerful role in making interpersonal communication work.

"It is clear that O (Overstreet) has made a large contribution to our understanding of the uses of general extenders and has demonstrated the importance of investigating the interpersonal function of language, especially in areas where ideational analysis is only partially successful. It is well worth reading."--Notes on Linguistics "This is a readable and engaging work that makes a contribution to our understanding of general extenders and opens up new territory for further analysis."--Language in Society "It is clear that O (Overstreet)has made a large contribution to our understanding of the uses of general extenders and has demonstrated the importance of investigating the interpersonal function of language, especially in areas where ideational analysis is only partially successful. It is well worth reading."--Notes on Linguistics