Like, I mean Like…
The Rise of a Linguistic Locust
“Like” has become the Swiss Army knife of modern speech—versatile, persistent, and occasionally maddening. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how a simple word evolved into a cultural phenomenon, shaping how we express uncertainty, connection, and rhythm in everyday conversation.
“Like” has become an inseparable and essential component of our modern-day conversations, be it face-to-face meetings or social media interactions. Its use of “like” has pervaded “like” all spheres and cannot be “like” ignored. Sometimes, I think of it as the return of the “seven-year locusts” but as an everyday occurrence. Do you really want to step on those things everywhere you go?
“Like; Like”
Language is an ever-evolving part of human existence; eloquent speech can be considered an artful composition of words that express our thoughts, feelings, and imagination. However, as language evolves, certain words, which seem to pervade contemporary discourse, can drive one crazy. Once used solely as a verb or prepositional content within written English dialogue, “like” has evolved into multifunctional content heard among younger generations, with conversations often beginning with “Like; Like; I mean like”. Where are they going? Why does the brain take such priming? This reminds me of starting a Model T.
“Like” has also become an invaluable aid for teens explaining something. Every explanation is peppered with “like” as though it is punctuation and vital for communication. Sometimes, I think of it as the skewer that carries the meat on a kabob. Different, but do you really need to string meat together to cook it? Is it necessary or meaningful? And have you ever tried to get those chunks off of the stick?
“I like appreciate that you like read this like Blog and like I said, like thank you, like.”
So what’s going on here? Linguists suggest that “like” functions as a discourse marker, a quotative, a hedge, and a filler—sometimes all at once. It helps speakers signal uncertainty, soften opinions, or buy time while formulating thoughts. According to Readable’s analysis, filler words like “like” are mental placeholders that help maintain conversational flow and social rapport.
Historically, “like” has been around far longer than the Valley Girls of the 1980s. Its use as a conversational tool dates back to the 1700s and appears in literature from authors like Frances Burney and Robert Louis Stevenson. Linguist Alexandra D’Arcy has traced its evolution across generations, showing that even elderly speakers born in the 1800s used sentence-initial “like” to emphasize or connect ideas. You can explore this further in Psychology Today’s history of “like”.
Still, overuse can dilute clarity. As Sankin Speech Improvement notes, excessive “like” usage can distract listeners and undermine credibility. Speech coaches recommend recording yourself and practicing cleaner phrasing to reduce reliance on filler words.
If you’re curious about your own communication style or want to refine how you express yourself, therapy can help. Explore individual therapy in Maryland and DC or learn more about therapeutic approaches that support self-awareness, language habits, and emotional clarity.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst