Like: A History of the World's Most Hated (and Misunderstood) Word

by Megan C. Reynolds

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

You've undoubtedly used the word countless times, in equally countless ways, but where does it come from and what does it actually mean? Now you can find out in this riveting history of a singular word that is perfect for linguistics geeks and word-nerds.

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

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063415300
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Megan C. Reynolds is an editor at Dwell magazine, and previously worked at the now defunct Jezebel and The Billfold. She’s written for Buzzfeed, the New York Times, Elle, Gawker, Bustle, Vulture, and other outlets. Megan was also the co-host of the short-lived, celebrity-gossip focused podcast Dirtcast. She lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

"Like is a fun and fascinating book that will leave its readers with delight, curiosity, and hope. Anyone who has ever been criticized for using this word, or has censured it themselves, needs not only read Megan Reynolds’s work but shout it from the rooftops." — Amanda Montell, New York Times-bestselling author of The Age of Magical Overthinking and Cultish

"Valuable books have been written about 'ain’t,' 'okay,' 'bullshit,' and, as the title of Jesse Sheidlower’s classic puts it, 'the F-word.' We can add to that list Megan Reynold’s Like, a witty, informative, and thankfully non-judgmental deep dive into that beleaguered but extremely useful word." — Ben Yagoda, author of How to Not Write Bad

"Reynolds smartly and lightheartedly shares various scenarios in which she feels using the word 'like' in conversation offers an advantage. … Convincing evidence for offering 'like' another chance in the American English vernacular." — Kirkus Reviews

"Reynolds effectively mounts her larger argument: that people should embrace language’s changes rather than becoming cranky grammatical nitpickers exuding 'hall monitor energy.' It’s a passionate … love letter to linguistic evolution." — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2025-04-04
An examination of the place of “like” in American English.

For many, hearing a conversation peppered with the word “like” conjures an image of stereotypical teenage girls from the 1980s San Fernando Valley known as Valley Girls, a subculture often characterized as being less than intelligent. Some prescriptivists go so far as viewing the word’s usage as a sign of society’s decline. However, cultural writer Reynolds contends, “when a single word is so useful, so beautifully flexible, and does so much with so very little, it seems illogical and short-sighted to disregard its importance.” Despite second-guessing her own language choices in this context, Reynolds smartly and lightheartedly shares various scenarios in which she feels using the word “like” in conversation offers an advantage. As she suggests, “like” is a great alternative to “said” when recounting to a friend how an incident made one feel. “And then I was like….” The ability to use “like” in this context “has fundamentally changed the way we tell stories.” As Reynolds explains, when feelings are the focus, “we no longer have to recite (or remember) precisely what was said.” The word can also serve as a filler when a speaker needs a brief moment to gather his or her thoughts. “Well, like, I just, I’m not, like, sure….” The word can also serve as an intensifier. “I have, like, one zillion things to do.” Finally, Reynolds suggests that “like” can even be used as a full sentence when seeking emotional validation. “Like…!” She concludes, “Making a case for ‘like’s’ validity is making a case for progress—or for at least understanding that progress and change are not necessarily the enemy.”

Convincing evidence for offering “like” another chance in the American English vernacular.

Kirkus Reviews