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Standard Scripts and rejoinders

Posted by Lexi on February 09, 2005

In Reply to: Standard Scripts and rejoinders posted by ESC on February 09, 2005

: : Our language has a series of snippets of dialog which are almost standard. A friend said to me today "this getting old is a bitch" to which I replied, "yes, but it's better than the alternative'. Transaction completed!
: : What are these things called; these mindless phrases which simply provide a connection so that other conversation can start.....is there a name for this?

: Conversational gambit?

: Gambit 2 a : a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point. (Merriam-Webster online)

Yes -- how are you? -- I'm fine, thanks. -- After the standard opening is out of the way, then you can talk about real things.

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