Is This Stuttering?

just to clarify... there are many different types of stuttering (disfluencies) - some kids say one word and then pause for several seconds and then repeat same word. some get stuck on a word & repeat the word ... or on the first syllable of the first word or the last syllable in the first word. Some repeat a phrase (series of words) over and over again before they can say the whole sentence.
Can you tell I've been to speech camps about stuttering? But yes, it's usually only a problem when they are 3-4 yr and older.
If the child is just starting this, wait for a few months to see if it stays. If it does stay, consult pediatrician/speech therapist for an evaluation.

I don't think it's stuttering so much as it is just language development.
They are learning a lot of words (literally learning a language) and finding the right word and forming it are all a bit hard to put together at first.
Terrible 2's and 3's are a lot about frustration about expressing yourself - it's just part of the process.
By the end of 3 it gets easier because they have the words down a lot better although lisping, trouble with pronouncing R's, etc are common and many go to speech class for a little while when they go to school.

My 5 year old STILL does this. His brain can't keep up with his mouth. Your friend's son is still very young, I wouldn't worry, but never hurts to mention to doctor. A friend of mine had a son who did this, and in consultation with a speech therapist was told she should be more concerned if he looked like it was taking extra effort to get the word out, or if he started to get very frustrated as he spoke (like he knew what he wanted to say but it just wouldn't come out).

i am a speech pathologist. it's hard to tell from your description, but typically at his age, this isn't uncommon to see. their mouths aren't as fast as their thoughts. the best way to find out for your friend's piece of mind is to have him screened by a speech-language pathologist. you're a good friend for asking!

very typical for this age group. It should pass without worry...

My son did the same thing around that age, and it was just like you described, his mouth just couldn't keep up with his brain. Our ped reassured us it was totally normal and nothing to worry about, he grew out of it in a few months.

Totally normal. The problem is that their mind works faster than their ability to say the words so they know what they want to say but can't get it out fast enough. Nothing to worry about.

I do remember this happening around that age (or maybe a little older) and I also worried that it was a stutter. I believe it is a normal progression and it did go away without any intervention.

Stuttering is normal around this age.

I do think its normal, especially for a child so young. Even my 5 year old would say they first 3 words of a sentence several times before she would spit out the rest of the sentence. I said "Dear, stop and think about what your trying to say" and then she would spit it out. I agree with your definition of stuttering. He just sounds like hes repeating, not stuttering. I really do think they are thinking too fast for their mouth. But like suggested, if its really bothering her, Im sure their pediatrician will reassure them its ok.