[annie123 (OP)]

I am continually annoyed, when listening to otherwise interesting podcasts/videos/news items- even live people- . to hear the word 'like' inserted between every other word. I thought this would be a passing phase - mostly a teenage habit - but it seems it is pervasive and knows no age barrier. Where did it come from? How is it that some people seem to grow out of the habit and others don't? Is there anything that can be done in terms of influencing trends   on 'social media' to help eliminate the redundant use of the word?

[evan_au]

Has "like" replaced "um" and "ah" as a thinktime filler?

[guest39538]

I am continually annoyed, when listening to otherwise interesting podcasts/videos/news items- even live people- . to hear the word 'like' inserted between every other word. I thought this would be a passing phase - mostly a teenage habit - but it seems it is pervasive and knows no age barrier. Where did it come from? How is it that some people seem to grow out of the habit and others don't? Is there anything that can be done in terms of influencing trends   on 'social media' to help eliminate the redundant use of the word?

Hello Annie,  the word ''like'' can be inserted as a neuro suggestion to ''sway'' ones opinion in the direction of liking something , you know like!

However , a general use of the word ''like'' in this sort of manner, would generally not be applied to more official documentary types of literature , a science paper for example.

[Bored chemist]

Hello Annie,  the word ''like'' can be inserted as a neuro suggestion to ''sway'' ones opinion in the direction of liking something , you know like!

You may find that Thebox chooses to stick the word "neuro" in all his posts to make up for a lack of any real meaning.

[annie123 (OP)]

Re using 'like' instead of er um etc. I have tried to mentally insert these syllables where I hear 'like' in various conversations and they don't annoy in quite the same way, but yes, they are irritating.  At least they do have some variety in sound.The phrase (statement?) ' you know' is similar to 'like' in terms of annoyance but is not used as often .

[chris]

Great topic, @annie123 - the other one is starting every sentence in an interview with "So...", both on the part of the interviewer and the interviewee...

[Richard_656]

Great topic, @annie123 - the other one is starting every sentence in an interview with "So...", both on the part of the interviewer and the interviewee...

I have to say this annoys the whatnot out of me as well. I have no clue as to when or where this odd practice started but sadly for me it appears to be most prevalent in science communications. I feel as if I am being talked down to when presented with a " So" when responding to a question asked of them, much like a child would be addressed when at school. I am aware that the NS team discussed this very subject on one of the podcasts, but the explanations to me did not really help, and the practice still continues.

I guess language evolves over time as do most things and new ways of talking catch on as normal everyday speak , i think if asked many would not even be aware they even do it.  Maybe just noticing the issue dates me somewhat?.