That has been a pet peeve of mine recently.
I first noticed it was annoying me when one of the IRS guys was getting grilled before congress.
Since then I can’t help but notice it being used in 2 types of situations.... 1. People who think they are smarter and are trying to talk “down” to others
2. People who are stalling while they mentally search for an answer...usually a bs answer
Another one is when asked a question, they reply, “that’s a great question.”
But right now, I’m just so happy I’m not alone!!