Like

I remember when the word like became a filler and like you would say it like when you didn't like know what else to say like, so yeah, like that. Thankfully, using like in that valley girl form has faded into mere memories, that make me cringe and laugh simultaneously, of my younger years.

I can't help but think each day how society has now taken that little four letter word that used to just annoy me when used so frivolously and turned it into the guru of all words! Because I'm someone who gets hung up on words and their meaning and what others think a word means AND how all these meanings often lead to massive misunderstandings in both online and "real life" conversations, those conversations we all used to have before online chatting and texting became the norm, I can't help but analyze how people now define this seemingly simple word we all know and love.


Definition of Like: This was the shortest I could find!

1. like/līk/

   Preposition:	Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to: "they were like brothers".
   Conjunction:	In the same way that; as: "people who change countries like they change clothes".
   Noun:	Used with reference to a person or thing of the same kind as another: "the quotations could be arranged to put like with like". The things one likes or prefers.
   Adjective:	(of a person or thing) Having similar qualities or characteristics to another person or thing: "I responded in like manner".
   Adverb:	Used in speech as a meaningless filler or to signify the speaker's uncertainty about an expression just used.
   Verb:	Find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory.
   Synonyms:	preposition. as conjunction. as - as if - as though adjective. similar - alike - equal - analogous - same - even adverb. as verb. love - please - fancy - want - be fond of - wish - relish

Did you notice that part of the definition above includes the valley girl version of like!? Awesome. I wonder when that was added to the definition. I can't imagine it was always there. Anyway, what does like mean now? Well, I've complied a list. Feel free to add to it. It can be like our own little time capsule of 2012 all dedicated to what I feel I can safely call the world's most used word!

Additional definitions of LIKE in the 21st century....

Thank you
I'm sorry (to hear that)
Feel better soon
I saw this
I agree
That's awful
That's funny
That's great
No way?!
Cool
Awesome
Congratulations
Mazel Tov
I'm happy for you
Beautiful picture
So cute
Awwwww
Oh Man
That sucks
Wow
Got it
Oh
Interesting
Yikes
Oy Vey!
No problem
Yes
Will do... to whatever the request was that you just clicked "like" for, such as a prayer. Yup, a prayer just requires a simple click of a button now folks and God gets all those "likes" because God is good like that and can adapt to anything and then miracles happen! Pretty powerful word there, huh?

"Like" can raise money, give hope or encouragement, boost an ego and even make people who are told they are ugly feel beautiful. It can let the world know how cute you think a puppy is, what politician, musician or food you like and my favorite of all, that you love your mom, spouse and kids! Yes, yes, all you have to do to make sure everyone knows you love your kids is click a button. Awesome.

I wonder if someday they'll use that as evidence in court. Like when a parent is tried for the unfathomable act abuse or killing their child will they check to see if they clicked "like" for all the posts that told them to "like if you love your child"? Will that provide reasonable doubt? I know, I'm being silly, but seriously, this nothing surprises me anymore!

Another favorite of mine.
I mean really, who doesn't wish this??

Like can even can mean LOL, LMAO, SMH and a number of other text codes I still have to google to find the meaning of! I swear, I'm not that old, really.

While I may be poking fun at Zucker's world and how his brilliance managed to further reify this simple word into seemingly endless meanings, I will openly admit I'm a big fan of clicking "like". It really has simplified life for me as I can express all these things and let people know I care or am thinking of them even if I can't seem to find the time to call or visit as often as I used to or want.

As a former therapist I have obvious issues with this too because I worry for our current generation and future generations who may not learn proper communication skills or how to interact with fellow human beings without an electronic device in front of them. Or more, it'll just make us (more) lazy. I find myself wishing for a "like" button when I text because I don't feel like typing a few words back which would say the same thing as "like"! I can go even further than that. Sometimes I even hear myself say "like" in my head during a conversation because that's as far as I would go if the conversation was taking place online rather than face to face!

I think without the ability to communicate effectively we are doing ourselves a colossal disservice that can negatively impact every aspect of our existence. Yes, every aspect of our existence. Is "like" that powerful? I honestly think so. Or it could turn out to be...if we aren't careful. Like I said, I'm a like clicking machine but I try to be very aware of what my "like" might mean to others and to clarify if necessary. I also use it to follow up with friends by having actual conversations. On that same note, I tend to drop the ball often and my "like" is my prayer, my congrats or my hug to someone who needs that physical hug I am not around to give.

Ultimately, I have a love/hate relationship with the click of word "like" these days. Often I wish like could go back to just meaning, "I like you" or used for a comparison or even just be used as a valley girl filler word.

As we all know, nothing in life can go backwards. We are always ever changing, moving forward, evolving, and like it or not, such is the beauty of life.

If that last sentence was a status,
I would "like" it!