sort of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "sort of" is commonly used in American English to indicate a degree of uncertainty or hesitation in expressing a thought or opinion. It is a colloquial phrase that is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The meaning of the idiom is straightforward, but its usage can vary depending on the context in which it is employed.

When used in conversation, "sort of" is often used as a hedge or qualifier to soften the impact of a statement or to indicate that the speaker is not fully committing to a particular viewpoint. It can be seen as a way to offer a tentative or approximate description of something, rather than making a definitive statement. For example, a person might say, "I kind of like that movie," to convey that they have some positive feelings towards it, but are not completely enthusiastic.

In addition to "kind of," there are several related idioms that convey a similar sense of uncertainty or approximation. One such idiom is "of sorts," which is used to describe something that is not entirely typical or expected. It implies a certain level of irregularity or deviation from the norm. For instance, one might say, "The party was a party of sorts," suggesting that it was not a conventional or traditional party.

Another related idiom is "not entirely," which is used to indicate that something is not completely or wholly true. It suggests that there may be some exceptions or nuances to consider. For example, one might say, "I'm not entirely sure if I agree with that statement," indicating that they have some reservations or doubts about its accuracy.

A similar idiom is "not quite," which is used to convey that something falls just short of a particular quality or condition. It implies that there is a small difference or gap that prevents full adherence to a certain standard. For instance, one might say, "The new restaurant is not quite as good as the old one," indicating that it is close in quality, but not exactly the same.

Another related idiom is "something like," which is used to offer a rough approximation or comparison to something else. It suggests that there is a similarity or resemblance, but not an exact match. For example, one might say, "The movie was something like a romantic comedy," indicating that it shared some characteristics of that genre, but was not a typical example.

The idiom "sort of" can also be used to express a lack of clarity or precision. In this sense, it functions as a way to indicate that the speaker's understanding or knowledge about a particular topic is incomplete or vague. For instance, someone might say, "I'm not sure what he meant, but it was sort of like he was criticizing her." Here, "sort of" serves to convey that the speaker is not entirely certain about the meaning of the person's words, but they perceive a resemblance to criticism.

In written language, "sort of" is commonly used in informal and conversational contexts, such as personal emails, online forums, or social media posts. It is less frequently used in formal or academic writing, where precise and unambiguous language is typically preferred.

The origin of the idiom "sort of" is uncertain, as is often the case with many idiomatic expressions. However, it is thought to have emerged in English-speaking communities in the early 1900s. The phrase can be traced back to the use of "sort" as a noun meaning "a certain kind" or "type." Over time, it evolved into an adverbial phrase when combined with "of," serving as a qualifier to indicate approximation or hesitancy.

Some scholars argue that "sort of" has its roots in the broader historical development of hedges and intensifiers in English. These linguistic devices have long been used to convey shades of meaning or to moderate the impact of statements. In this sense, "sort of" can be seen as part of a wider pattern of language use aimed at softening assertions and presenting ideas with more nuance.

While the idiom "sort of" is widely used and recognized, it is important to be mindful of its informal nature and potential to be misunderstood. In formal contexts, it is generally advisable to use more precise and unambiguous language to ensure clarity and to convey ideas more effectively. Nonetheless, it remains an integral part of the rich tapestry of idiomatic expressions that color the English language, allowing for versatility and expression of varying degrees of certainty and clarity.