On Friday night’s Graham Norton Show there was fascinating intercghange between will.i.am and Miriam Margoyles.
Margoyles kept telling off will.i.am for misusing the word “like”. OK as a verb, she said, but not as a substitute for “said”, for example: “He was like, why have you come here?”
I disagree with Margoyles. The English language is great because it has evolved enormously over the years. The language should reflect how people use it, not text books. Long may that continue.
Disagree – it’s use can be flexible due to its looser structure not the lazy repetition of one word, that can actually be used in a stronger context, to the detriment of the listener.
I really can’t stand this substitution. Even worse is the Essex `she goes` meaning `she said`. `Said` is a direct relation to the action of speaking to someone – whereas `like` or `goes` have much clearer meanings ie to favour or travelling.
June 24, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Disagree – it’s use can be flexible due to its looser structure not the lazy repetition of one word, that can actually be used in a stronger context, to the detriment of the listener.
I really can’t stand this substitution. Even worse is the Essex `she goes` meaning `she said`. `Said` is a direct relation to the action of speaking to someone – whereas `like` or `goes` have much clearer meanings ie to favour or travelling.
June 25, 2012 at 10:46 pm
“Can I get”!!! I ‘hate’ that one!