I vaguely recall something from some sociology/linguistics/critical-reasoning thing I read once, but cannot recall the context or if there was a name given to it.

It was discussed as a subconscious (sometimes) way to shift blame away from the speaker as an attempt to not violate (or lessen the violation of) some social norm.

Almost seems like a cross between hedging and an assurance expression ("Everyone knows that..." or "Any seasoned developer would....").

Wish I could remember more. :/