1 definition by Alan Cantor
In England: During information-gathering conversations, "right" is an unconsciously uttered filler word that precedes the response to a question. The duration of the utterance is directly related to the assuredness of the response that follows. Short utterances indicate that respondents are confident of their answers. Drawn-out utterances denote that respondents have less confidence in their answers. When the pronunciation is drawn-out excessively, respondents are signaling that they do not know the correct answer, yet feel obliged to respond anyway.
"How many eggs should I use in this quiche?"
"Right. Three eggs ought to be enough."
"What is the most direct route to Scarborough Fair?"
"Ri-i-i-ght. I believe you follow this road to a roundabout, and go west."
"Is the library open on Sunday?"
"Ri-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ight. I do remember a time when the library was open seven days a week."
"Right. Three eggs ought to be enough."
"What is the most direct route to Scarborough Fair?"
"Ri-i-i-ght. I believe you follow this road to a roundabout, and go west."
"Is the library open on Sunday?"
"Ri-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ight. I do remember a time when the library was open seven days a week."
by Alan Cantor November 27, 2005