A comprehensive and thought-provoking work of cultural criticism investigating 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 linguistic 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 on a pop culture journey through the unique etymology and usage of this oft-reviled word, highlighting how the policing of women's speech 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.
This deep dive into sociolinguistics and pop culture reveals:
| ISBN: | 9780063415287 |
| Publication date: | 17th July 2025 |
| Author: | Megan C Reynolds |
| Publisher: | HarperOne an imprint of HarperCollins |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 256 pages |
| Genres: |
Popular culture Media studies Social and cultural history Literary studies: from c 2000 Communication studies Sociolinguistics Grammar, syntax and morphology Soft skills and dealing with other people General and world history Literature: history and criticism |
A comprehensive and thought-provoking work of cultural criticism investigating 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 linguistic 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 on a pop culture journey through the unique etymology and usage of this oft-reviled word, highlighting how the policing of women's speech 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.
This deep dive into sociolinguistics and pop culture reveals:
Like features in the following genres: Popular culture, Media studies, Social and cultural history, Literary studies: from c 2000, Communication studies, Sociolinguistics, Grammar, syntax and morphology, Soft skills and dealing with other people, General and world history, Literature: history and criticism
Like is available in Hardback
Like was written by Megan C Reynolds and published by HarperOne an imprint of HarperCollins
Like has 256 pages
£17.09