Like, here's the episode on "like" | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW
Dive into the intricacies of the English language with Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant on "Stuff You Should Know" as they unravel the multifaceted word "like." In a linguistic journey that goes much further than the common filler, the hosts explore "like" as an integral part of speech, used not only for quantifying approximation but also as a vital quotative, discourse marker, and particle. They illuminate how its application can subtly influence conversations by aiding mimicry, offering emphasis, prompting responses, imparting surprise, and tempering criticism. Dissecting the etymology and cultural impact of "like," Clark and Bryant debunk the notion that its use is mere linguistic laziness, instead proposing an appreciation for the sophisticated functions it serves in dynamic English dialogue.
Tracing "like" from its Old English roots, the hosts embark on an etymological adventure from the term 'gelīc' to its manifestation in pop culture. Clark and Bryant take a chronological stroll through history, observing how different eras and societal trends have shaped the trajectory of "like"—from the laid-back lexicon of beatniks to its iconic role in 1980s Valley Girl slang. They examine how culture has influenced the adoption and stigma around "like," uncovering gender-based biases and varied usage patterns across demographics. "Stuff You Should Know" gives listeners a new appreciation for a word that has long outgrown its simplistic stereotype, revealing how language continually evolves across time and society.
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1-Page Summary
Irreverent slang uses of "like" as quotative, adverb, discourse marker and particle
Clark and Bryant discuss the diverse uses of "like" in conversational English, proving its substantial role beyond being a simple filler. They highlight that "like" functions as an important communicative tool that adds to the tone of conversation, rather than altering meaning. It takes on multiple roles: as an adverb suggesting approximation, a discourse particle, a quotative indicating paraphrasing, and more. The usage of "like" allows speakers to express mimicry, emphasize their statements, encourage dialogue, convey surprise, and soften criticisms. Linguists have noted that the use of "like" is highly prevalent among young women and shapes conversational interaction.
Regarding perceptions of "like," the conversation touches on its connection to the 1980s Valley Girl stereotype, though noting that its usage predated the related film. Young females are often associated with the word, which can attract sexist criticism—though there is a growing academic respect for the various functions "like" performs in English conversation.
Origins and evolution of the word "like" from Old English through modern slang
"Like" has its origins in Old English, specifically from the term gelīc or gelicht, relating to "with the body" or a "corpse." Over time, its meaning has morphed to imply similarity. The Old English suffix "-lic," also related to "like," has evolved into the modern adverbial suffix "-ly." Clark illustrates this linguistic development by tracing the historical journey from "slow like" to "slowly."
Various periods and cultural movements have driven the evolution of "like." In the 1950s and 1960s, the beat and jazz subcultures integrated "like" into their distinctive, informal lexicon. The 1980s saw a surge in its popularity through the Valley Girl film and song, with other 1990s cultural references solidifying its association with a specific Californian vernacular.
Research indicates that while men and women use "like" in similar frequencies, their usage patterns can differ, and these variations are particularly noticeable when considering both age and gender. This reflects the ongoing evolution and adaptation of "like" within the English language.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Like" in conversational English serves various functions beyond being a mere filler word. It can act as an adverb indicating approximation, a discourse marker, a quotative for paraphrasing, and more. These diverse uses of "like" contribute to the tone and nuances of communication, allowing speakers to convey mimicry, emphasize points, encourage dialogue, express surprise, and soften criticisms.
- The 1980s Valley Girl stereotype popularized the use of "like" as a linguistic marker associated with young, affluent women from the San Fernando Valley in California. This stereotype portrayed Valley Girls as using "like" excessively in their speech, contributing to the word's cultural association with a specific demographic and era. The Valley Girl image was further perpetuated by media representations, such as the 1983 film "Valley Girl," which showcased this distinctive speech pattern. This cultural phenomenon helped solidify the link between "like" and a particular style of speech and social identity.
- The word "like" originated from Old English terms like gelīc or gelicht, which meant "with the body" or a "corpse." Over time, its meaning evolved to signify similarity. The Old English suffix "-lic" related to "like" has transformed into the modern adverbial suffix "-ly."
Counterarguments
- While "like" does serve as a communicative tool, its overuse can sometimes be perceived as a lack of vocabulary or an inability to articulate thoughts clearly.
- The use of "like" as a filler or discourse marker may detract from the speaker's perceived credibility or professionalism in formal contexts.
- The association of "like" with young women and the Valley Girl stereotype, despite being recognized as sexist, can still negatively impact the way women's speech is perceived in both social and professional settings.
- The historical evolution of "like" is complex, and while the text provides a brief overview, it may oversimplify the word's journey and the various cultural influences that have shaped its use.
- The claim that "like" is used in similar frequencies by men and women could be contested by more recent or region-specific studies that might show different patterns of usage.
- The idea that the evolution and adaptation of "like" are ongoing may not fully acknowledge the resistance to change by prescriptivists or those who advocate for a more traditional use of language.
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Irreverent slang uses of "like" as quotative, adverb, discourse marker and particle
Clark and Bryant delve into the intricacies of the word "like" in conversational English, highlighting its various uses and defending its role against criticism of it as mere filler.
How "like" fills key gaps in conversational English, signaling quote, emphasis, elaboration, surprise, and stance
The hosts explain that "like" does not serve merely as a space-filler like "um" or "uh," but instead provides important cues in communication. Linguists like Alexandra Darcy note that while "like" as a discourse particle may not change the meaning of a sentence, it certainly adds to the tone, operating within the interpersonal realm, to influence how a message should be received.
Clark and Bryant mention that "like" can take various forms in conversation: as an approximate adverb to suggest nearness or as a softener for emphasis; as a discourse particle; or as a quotative to indicate paraphrasing. "Like" in its quotative use has been found to be significantly more used by women and is almost exclusively favored by younger speakers.
The hosts illustrate "like's" versatility in a scripted conversation. The quotative "like" is particularly notable, signifying that what follows may not be a direct quote but still relays the speaker's intent or feeling. Similarly, when "like" is used as an approximate adverb, it indicates the figurative nature of numbers or details, signaling a general idea rather than specificity.
The various functions of "like" also include setting up a mimicry, emphasizing a statement, prompting further discussion, conveying surprise—which can be modulated by voice tone—and softening potential criticisms. It is a linguistic tool that can not only hedge statements, providing the speaker with a layer of plausible deniability but also protect the speaker's image should their statement prove questionable.
Influenced but not originated by "Valley Girl" stereotypes in 1980s
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Irreverent slang uses of "like" as quotative, adverb, discourse marker and particle
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- In linguistics, the quotative use of "like" is when it is used to introduce reported speech or thoughts, indicating that the following words are not a direct quotation but a paraphrase or approximation of what was said or thought. This usage of "like" is common in informal speech, especially among younger speakers, and serves to convey the speaker's intended meaning or sentiment without necessarily quoting verbatim. The quotative "like" helps to signal that the upcoming words are not an exact replication of someone else's words but rather a representation or interpretation of the original message. It adds a layer of informality and nuance to the conversation, allowing for a more flexible and expressive way of relaying information or emotions.
- A discourse particle, like "like" in conversational English, serves to influence the tone and reception of a message without altering its core meaning. It can indicate emphasis, approximation, paraphrasing, or mimicry, adding nuance to the speaker's intent or feeling. Discourse particles are syntax-independent elements that contribute to the flow and structure of conversation, enhancing communication dynamics. They play a crucial role in signaling the speaker's stance, prompting further discussion, conveying surprise, and softening criticisms.
- A softener for emphasis is a linguistic tool used to make a statement less direct or forceful while still highlighting its importance. In the context of using "like" as a softener for emphasis, it helps to draw attention to a particular point without sounding too assertive or aggressive. This use of "like" adds a layer of nuance to the speaker's tone, allowing them to emphasize a concept or idea in a more subtle manner.
- The "Valley Girl" stereotype originated from a song by Frank Zappa in 1982, satirizing the speech and behavior of teenage girls from the San Fernando Valley. The song's success unintentionally popularized the stereotype and its associated mannerisms. It featured Zappa's daughter Moon, who recreated typical conversations and slang heard among Valley girls. The term "Valley Girl" became synonymous with a specific image of affluent, fashion-conscious, and sometimes airheaded young women.
- Plausible deniability is the ability to deny knowledge or ...
Counterarguments
- While "like" has various communicative functions, overuse can still detract from the clarity and perceived professionalism of speech.
- Some argue that reliance on "like" and other discourse markers can indicate a lack of vocabulary or inability to articulate thoughts concisely.
- Critics may suggest that the use of "like" as a filler or discourse marker can be a habit that speakers should aim to minimize, especially in formal contexts.
- There is a viewpoint that the use of "like" in professional or academic settings may undermine the speaker's credibility or authority.
- The association of "like" with younger speakers and women could perpetuate stereotypes, and efforts to change speech patterns may be seen as a response to societal pressures rather than linguistic evolution.
- Some linguists or language purists might argue that the evolution of language should strive to preserve traditional grammar and usage r ...
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Origins and evolution of the word "like" from Old English through modern slang
The word "like" has a storied history, originating from Old English and undergoing significant transformation in both meaning and usage across centuries.
"Like" originally meant "related to the (dead) body"
The Old English term, gelīc (or gelicht), which meant "with the body," is the root of the modern English "like." Here, līc or liche referred to a "body" or "corpse." Over time, the meaning of "like" evolved. Initially, it meant "with the body" or related to a corpse, and later it came to signify "similar to," before finally being distilled down to "similar." Josh Clark notes the historical progression from the Old English gelīc to the contemporary use of "like" indicating similarity.
Slǣc for "body" evolved into modern adverb suffix "-ly"
The suffix "-lic," which bears a relationship to "like," has evolved to become "-ly," the modern adverbial suffix. This development has given us adverbs such as "slowly" and "saintly" rather than the more archaic "slow like" and "saint like." Clark makes the connection between the Old English meaning of "like" and the modern adverb suffix "-ly," highlighting the linguistic evolution from one form to the other.
Key drivers and periods in the evolution of "like"
Jazz and beat writers in the 1950s and 1960s
The usage of "like" in the context of beat and jazz subcultures during the 1950s and 1960s played a role in its evolution. This period featured "like" as part of a more informal and expressive vocabulary that defined these cultural movements.
Valley Girl popularity in the 1980s film and song
Contrary to popular belief, "like" was not originated by Valley Girls; they simply popularized it. The hosts refer to the song "Valley Girl" by Frank Zappa, which features hi ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Origins and evolution of the word "like" from Old English through modern slang
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Old English term gelīc, meaning "with the body," evolved over time to signify similarity, eventually leading to the modern usage of "like" to express similarity between things. The original association with the body transformed into a broader concept of resemblance or similarity, reflecting the evolution of language and meaning over centuries. This linguistic shift showcases how words can undergo semantic changes while retaining traces of their historical origins. The connection between gelīc and "like" demonstrates the intricate journey of language development from its roots to contemporary usage.
- The Old English term "slǣc" evolved into the modern adverb suffix "-ly" through linguistic transformations over time. This development led to the creation of adverbs like "slowly" and "saintly" in modern English. The suffix "-ly" replaced the more archaic construction of using "like" in adverbs, demonstrating a shift in language structure. The connection between the Old English term for "body" and the modern adverb suffix "-ly" showcases the evolution of language and how words have transformed over centuries.
- The beat and jazz subcultures of the 1950s and 1960s influenced the evolution of the word "like" by incorporating it into their informal and expressive vocabulary. This period marked a shift towards a more relaxed and unconventional use of language, where "like" became a versatile filler word and a marker of casual speech. The subcultures' embrace of linguistic experimentation and nonconformity helped popularize the expanded usage of "like" beyond its traditional roles. This cultural context contributed to the broader acceptance and integration of "like" as a multifunctional word in everyday language.
- Valley Girls in the 1980s, particularly through media like the song "Valley Girl" by Frank Zappa and the film "Valley Girl," played a significant role in popularizing the usage of "like." These cul ...
Counterarguments
- The assertion that "like" originally meant "with the body" or related to a corpse in Old English could be misleading, as the term gelīc or gelīce could also mean "similar" or "alike" in Old English, not just "with the body."
- The evolution of the suffix "-lic" into "-ly" is more complex than simply a change in spelling and pronunciation; it also involves a shift in grammatical function from an adjective suffix to an adverbial one, which might not be fully captured in the text.
- The influence of jazz and beat writers on the evolution of "like" might be overstated, as the word's colloquial and informal use likely has multiple origins and influences beyond these subcultures.
- The role of Valley Girls in popularizing "like" might be overemphasized, as the usage of "like" as a filler word or a quotative was already present in English speech patterns before the 1980s and might have been popularized by a broader range of speakers.
- The claim that men and women use "like" with similar frequency could be n ...
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