Why do kids like say like after like every other like word?

Question

Like please tell me like, I like really dont get it, do they like not know how stupid it really like sounds?

you people get really pissed about that! I was talking like that as an example, my pets.

Answer 1

do u know how stupid,ignorant, and unintelligent you sound

Answer 2

"Like" is just an example of how the English language is constantly evolving. You might think it sounds stupid because you didn't grow up with it, and possibly because you aren't used to the correct grammatical purpose of the word; but keep in mind that there are plenty of words that "older" people use that sound stupid to the younger generations that use words such as "like".

One use of the word is to help identify yourself with other young people and express your friendship and familiarity. When I'm with my closest friends, I'll use words like "like" in every other sentence, however I'll avoid the use of the word in other situations. This isn't done consciously -- it just comes naturally, in the same way that everybody adapts their language to a given situation.

Language peculiarities aren't unique just to youth: it is difficult to convey professionalism in business if can't speak "corporate-speak", some gay people identify themselves through the use of "effeminate" speech, and in the academic world there's a whole way of speaking that if you can't master you won't be taken seriously.

The way that you have used the word "like" in your question isn't natural (to a young person) and in other situations would quickly identify you as an "imposter".

For an intelligent explanation of the phenomena take a look at the following articles:
http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/000138.html
http://www.umassmag.com/Summer_2003/Profile__Muffy_Siegel_%E2%80%9976G_491.html

Answer 3

My guess is cause they aren't very familiar with the American English language- if this continues "Like" will be the most commonly used word in the dictionary- Also If you start to notice that lots of people- such as your friends are starting to use "Like" all the frekin time, maybe you should rearrange your assosciates a little, and befriend those with a higher vocabulary and IQ. the problem is they are very hard to find- Good Luck

~Cheers

Answer 4

Like is used like a pause. Sort of like uh..... It's mostly used by California girls, but other people use it as well. It also helps them release their hyper activity through "Like!" all the time. They usually speak fast and they breath out through like and can continue the conversation without breaking it up and can use it even if the sentence doesn't make sense because like means something is similar but not right on. I'm like thinking this is like that one time that was like...........Everything is similar in some way, so you can't tell someone was wrong if you use like enough.

Answer 5

A conversational crutch, really annoying, but not life threatening. Ending the habit comes from maturity and vocabulary improvement. I can't imagine a respected CEO addressing his troops with, "like were starting the meeting now, dudes."

Answer 6

Well, generally people who use it that much just need a vocabulary overhall. The word "like" though, has come to mean "approximately" or "about" for most young people.

As in, "He was like six feet tall." It softens the statement, making it less certain so it doesn't seem too in-your-face.

Answer 7

Well, gramma, you know how young people are today. No respect for the old geezers like in YOUR day. Hopefully they will all listen to you now. Because if not these young whippersnappers are going to take our world right to the crapper. Thank goodness you won't be around to see the day.

Answer 8

To get like really technical, I think it's a lack of confidence thing. When you say "like," you're saying, "I'm not totally sure of this concept, but here's what I think."
And it's a space filler, like uh and um...people are afraid of silence.

Answer 9

It is an abuse of the language that becomes a compulsive habit, such as repeating "you know" frequently. I don't think many people even realize they do this, or how annoying it is.

Answer 10

1. because they haven't been taught and/or conditioned not to
2. because they don't stop and think before they speak
3. because it becomes an unconcious reflex and they aren't aware of it

it takes work, but anyone can choose not to say "like" (or any other filler word).

Answer 11

I like do that lik, too!
when my sis was saying "um" more than everything else and I thought it started to sound funny so, i say "like"