Origins:
* "Like" as a preposition: Its earliest use dates back to the Old English period, meaning "similar to" or "in the manner of." It was a standard grammatical term, just like "as" or "than."
* "Like" as a verb: In the early Modern English period, "like" evolved to also mean "to find pleasure in" or "to prefer."
The Rise of "Like" as a Discourse Marker:
* 19th century: "Like" started being used more casually, particularly in spoken English, as a way to introduce thoughts, comments, or phrases.
* 20th century: Its use as a discourse marker (a word or phrase that signals a change in topic, thought, or speaker) became more pronounced.
The "Valley Girl" Era:
* 1980s: "Like" gained notoriety as a slang term associated with Valley Girl speech. This led to its widespread use, often in exaggerated ways, and contributed to its perceived lack of sophistication.
Modern Usage:
* Today: "Like" continues to be a versatile word, used in various ways:
* Discourse marker: To indicate a change in thought, pause, or add emphasis.
* Filler word: To avoid silence or buy time while thinking.
* Emphasis: To add emphasis to a statement or express agreement.
* Tag question: To soften a statement or invite confirmation.
Why is "Like" So Common?
* Ease of use: It's short, simple, and adaptable to various situations.
* Flexibility: It can be used in both spoken and written language.
* Social context: It's become a common conversational tool, even if its overuse can sometimes be perceived as informal or lacking in eloquence.
Ultimately, the evolution of "like" highlights how language constantly adapts to its users and their needs. While its use as a discourse marker might be considered informal, it's an integral part of contemporary communication.