"Like"

Like is at present the most overused word in the English language. Somewhat as its' predecessor, "you know," the word has swept the language, often used two or three times in a sentence. I find it disturbing enough to write about here, and once in a great while to mention, especially to younger people.

Having no meaning in itself, it seemingly is either a bridge to something else, or a pause for reflection (?) or continuing a thought. Sometimes it seems to be an attempt to keep the listener tied up, for whatever reason, and then there is a kind of stylistic twist, especially for younger conversationalists and/or those influenced by them. Thus it is almost colloquial in a sense.

While studying and attempting to speak Spanish years ago I noticed a similar use of the word "pues," which means well in the sense described above, thus as a kind of semantic stopgap, and I found myself using it as kind of a language crutch. At the same time, I noticed very quickly that using it in class or in serious conversation was frowned upon.

In checking in my dictionary I found that the word is not to be used as a conjunction, in proper usage; and this book was published first in the late sixties. It might be instructive to see what a present day dictionary would advise. Whatever that may be it will probably not anticipate the next overused or misused word to enter and dominate the English language, like .....