It is a pervasive four-letter word young people can use several times in one sentence.
The definition and usage of like has changed dramatically, making it one of the most common words in the vernacular of people under 40. This age-related phenomenon has affected the English language - not necessarily for the better, said Beverly Flanigan, an Ohio University linguistics professor. Use of the word 'like' is so common (among young people) that it would be impossible to eradicate
Flanigan said. Older people and professionals in fields such as journalism and English often are bothered by the excessive use of the word, Flanigan said. While like was originally meant to be used as a verb or conjunction, it is now used as a filler and in place of said.
Some people might look down on others who use the word too much, but because it has become so mainstream, others might not notice it. When it comes to getting a job, use of like during an interview will not necessarily keep someone from hiring the interviewee, Flanigan added. Using the word excessively does not directly reflect on the ability - or inability - to perform specific job duties.
On the other hand, using the word like too much could give a bad presentation to potential employers, signaling that he or she has nothing to say and can't form an intelligent statement, said Leslie Delerme, assistant director of Career Services. Although she said she has never heard any specific complaints from employers, people who use like too much in interviews often have bad grammar or are perceived as immature.
'Like' has become so mainstream that students don't realize they are using it Delerme said.
To help students improve their speaking and grammar skills, Career Services offers mock interviews. Students dress professionally and each session is videotaped so they can see how well they did, Delerme said. Use of the word is completely subconscious and people can cut like out of their speech only if they make a deliberate and diligent effort, Flanigan said.
Salina DuBose, a senior telecommunications major from Maple Heights, a Cleveland suburb, decided to cut down on the use of the word after a professor told her she used like too much.
Someone called me on it and I started focusing on it
DuBose said. Some people might use the word because they are nervous or searching for the right thing to say, DuBose said. University classes are a good way to learn how to refine your speech, and freshman are more apt to use the word than older students, she added.
Classes about interview skills would be a beneficial requirement for all students, she said.
The origin of the word is unknown, but its usage in mainstream language mirrors the southern California valley-girl speak, Flanigan said. Like also has been translated into other languages, including German and Swedish. Its use also varies in American English. While whites often say She was like...
blacks commonly use She be like...
Flanigan said.
Because many people use the word like so much, it is nothing to stress over, Flanigan said. People are used to hearing it because it is so mainstream.
Only someone bothered (by the word) will notice
she said.
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