Like : a history of the world's most hated (and misunderstood) word / Megan C. Reynolds.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Reynolds, Megan C., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Like (The English word).

English language--Slang.

English language.

English language--Polysemy.

English language--Research.

English language--Social aspects.

English language--Usage.

Sociolinguistics.

Pragmatics.

sociolinguistics.

pragmatics.

Physical Description:

244 pages ; 22 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2025]

Summary:

"A comprehensive and thought-provoking investigation into one of the most polarizing words in the English language"-- Provided by publisher.

"Few words in the English language are as misunderstood as 'like.' Indeed, excessive use of this word is a surefire way to make those who pride themselves on propriety, both grammatical and otherwise, feel compelled to issue correctives. But what the detractors of this word fail to understand is its true function and versatility--as an exclamation, a filler of space, a means of subtle emphasis, and more. 'Like' may have started out as slang, but it is now an intrinsic component of fun, serious, and altogether nurturing communication. And like any colloquialism, the word endears the speaker to its audience; a conversation full of likes feels more casual, despite its content. In this book, culture writer and editor for Dwell magazine Megan C. Reynolds takes us through the unique etymology and usage of this oft-reviled word, highlighting how it is often used to undermine people who are traditionally seen as having less status in society--women, younger people, people from specific subcultures--and how, if thought about differently, it might open up a new way of communication and validation. Written in a breezy yet informative and engaging style, this is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a grammarian, a lover of language, and an advocate for the marginalized in discussions of cultural capital, power, and progress"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: Like, why?

Chapter 1: Like, what?

Interlude: The grammar wars

Chapter 2: And then I was like...

Chapter 3: Well, like, I just, I'm not, like, sure...

Interlude: But what about texting?

Interlude: Brass tacks (Dictionaries)

Chapter 4: I have, like, one zillion things to do

Interlude: Why is it women?

Chapter 5: Like, it's sexist?

Interlude: Girls on film

Interlude: How do people learn English?

Interlude: Nĭ shuō shénme?!

Chapter 6: That's, like, not very professional

Chapter 7: Like....!

Conclusion: Like, what's next?

References

Acknowledgments.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 233-241).

Other Format:

Online version: Reynolds, Megan C. Like.

ISBN:

9780063415287

0063415283

OCLC:

1519265813

Publisher Number:

CIPO000226259