The Excessive Use Of The Word "Like"
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Excessive Use Of The Word "Like"

The word “like” is the new “um.”

2353
The Excessive Use Of The Word "Like"
Electric Autosport

I am part of a generation that uses the word “like” religiously. Increasingly and especially under the age of 40, people use the word “like” for many different purposes. I first became interested in researching the use of this word because I was thoroughly embarrassed by my college professor when he informed me that I used the word “like” 30 times since I had begun talking. Even though I knew he was right and that I used the word too much, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed about my habit. After thinking about it, I decided I should make it a goal of mine to improve my language.

So the important question is, when can we acceptably use the word “like”? In which instances can we integrate this word into our speech and have it deemed appropriate by those around us – specifically in professional situations? Here’s what I found out.

Traditionally, the word “like” is used as a verb and to make a comparison. We can say, “I like that dog” or “he ran like the wind,” and we will not be criticized. The problem is when we start to use the word as filler. We place it randomly in a long sentence to extend what we’re saying or to portray something that we’re not quite sure about.

Commonly, we use “like” as a quotative. For example, we say sentences such as “My professor was like, ‘you say like way too much!’” Interestingly enough, I found that using the word “like” instead of “says” is totally acceptable. According to The American Scholar, using the word “like” allows the speaker to “vocalize the contents of participants’ utterances, but also his/her attitudes towards those utterances.” The word “like” can make multiple viewpoints clearer. It actually helps to more clearly portray a complicated sentence. Therefore, using the word “like” isn’t always bad.

Take that, professor. But I shouldn’t get ahead of myself.

The word “like” is the new “um.” We use it to fill uncomfortable gaps. But the use of “like” as a filler can be related to the language of a California Valley Girl, according to BBC News. This makes it frowned upon to say use the word “like” too much. It sounds unprofessional, especially to those over 45, who are not as accustomed to the use of “like” in language.

What I have found is that using the word “like” isn’t completely bad. Scholars claim that it is actually a very useful word in more ways than people may think. But it is important to keep in mind that using the word “like” too much in a professional setting is frowned upon.

Knowing this, I think that it is okay to use the word “like” as long as we don’t use it too often. From my research, I have learned that using the word as filler isn’t a good method of communication, but is more acceptable than I originally thought. I started this article with the intention to expose the word for making today’s language sound lazy, but found out that my hypothesis was not completely correct. Using the word too often can distract the listener from the intended message. No one wants their communication to be broken because of their excessive use of the word. But this does not mean that it doesn’t have its benefits.

Instead of completely eradicating the word from my every day language, I now know how to selectively choose when to utilize this overused word.

Thank you to my professor who challenged me to improve my language and served as the inspiration for this article. He showed me that though we may not always enjoy constructive criticism, it is vital for growth and we should try our best to learn from it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

3107
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

4770
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

23998
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

3731
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

5755
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments