In newsrooms, there are constant debates over how journalists should use certain words. We're pulling back the curtain to provide some transparency on the words you hear — or don't hear — from NPR.

Filler words serve important cognitive and social functions, but you can rein them in when it matters.

It’s not uncommon for people to assume the bigger the word, the smarter the person saying it is. Big words have a reputation for being used by only the most intelligent and professional individuals.