Are you a fan of the ellipsis? I’ll give you a moment…as I wait right here. That’s me, ellipsis style, comfortable with a pause. 😉
According to just about every grammarian you might consult, there are a few acceptable uses of the blessed ‘dot, dot, dot’ and signifying a pause is just one of them.
I don’t often use an ellipsis instead of an omitted word and forget that doing so is an acceptable practice. Me? I’m more likely to use my dotty friends to pause or trail off…
But for dramatic effect (another acceptable use)? Not so much.
I’ve wondered about generational differences in the use of the ellipsis, especially because it’s the trio of bouncing dots that we’re glued to when we think a friend might be in the midst of sending a thought via text. I know I’m not alone.
How much time in my life have I already wasted as I watch the ‘bounce bounce’? Wondering whether my friend in question simply forgot to close out the convo or is being contemplative about what to say next? Please don’t leave me hanging like that! The feeling is an insidious blend of hopefulness and dread when I see dot.dot.dot. Even more so when the dots disperse, my hopes dashed (no, not em dashed). 😉
What’s a girl to do?
Poking around for info about texting behavior and ellipses, I found this nugget, summarized in part below. (Note: I added the italics for emphasis.)
The Ellipsis Phenomenon
For many Baby Boomers, the ellipsis—a series of three dots (…)—serves as a versatile tool in digital conversations. It can indicate a pause, a trailing thought, or an invitation for the other person to continue the conversation. This use of ellipses mirrors how many in this generation might speak: with pauses and reflective breaks, allowing space for contemplation and response.
However, to Gen-Z and even some millennials, the ellipsis often conveys a different tone. In their digital vernacular, ellipses can come across as passive-aggressive, awkward, or even a sign of irritation.
The fluid and fast-paced nature of their communication style—dominated by quick exchanges and clear-cut punctuation—leaves little room for the ambiguous pause that ellipses represent.
Okay, then. It’s not just me. I will try (no promises) to curtail my overuse of my beloved ellipsis. I can do it, but only because I don’t want to appear passive, aggressive, awkward or uncertain. Yipes!
Now! I suppose I’d better think about my overuse of exclamation points. Another punctuation hurdle to clear (she said, resisting the urge to add…).
Smiles!
Vicki 😉
What’s an Ellipsis? Definition and Examples | Grammarly Blog
Dot dot dot: How ellipses sparked a generational texting tussle between Gen Z & Boomers (msn.com)
(Cartoon image credit: Scott Hilburn, Twitter)
Victoria Ponders 
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