…is the new “like.” People use it far more than they used to. It’s become a filler word. It’s used when it doesn’t make sense to use it. It’s used when nobody could possibly confuse the statement as being figurative. (Thanks for clearing that up, woman. I wasn’t sure if the sandwich you made was literal or figurative. Now I know you’re making real sandwiches. What a load off of my mind.) People use it so much that I don’t want to use it, anymore, even when I have a legitimate use for the word. I can’t help but notice this, and I feel like it does the exact same thing that using “like” too much does. It makes a person sound less intelligent than they might actually be. A lot of people will find this observation insignificant or even wrong. It may be the former but is certainly not the latter, and if you haven’t noticed yet, you will once you’re paying attention to it. It’s all you will hear, and you’re welcome. I happen to think a person’s speech matters. I think the English language matters. When you overuse anything, you will wear it out. This applies to words as much as anything. (And questions marks, Stub!) We’ve addressed “like” many times, but I haven’t seen any of us address this newest beating of a word. This is just my observation. Do with it what you like.

Also, “absolutely” is the next word being rode hard and put up wet. We’ll address that one when it’s foundered as badly as like and literally.

This is literally like so last year.

"Literally, It Is What It Is"

Preach, brother!

Ive never noticed either one. I dont even know what context you are talking about. Please, give me an example in a sentence of what you mean. Maybe refer me to the threads where "like" was talked about.

Yes, this is to be expected. (And appreciated.) NTX gets extra points for pouring salt into a wound I didn’t think he was even aware of. Maybe he got lucky, but he gets credit for it anyway.

But seriously…… yea it drives me insane too…. Especially when they mispronounce the word as “lit-RAH-ly”.

I gave an example. (It’s in parentheses. Yes, those curved things around these two statements.)

Well, now, maybe that’s just a cultural or geographical thing, as it relates to accents and such.

It seemed to me the stuff inside the two squiggly lines was your reply to the example that you did not give. I would be curious if she literally told you “I literally made you a sandwich”. If she actually said that then I think you hang out with people that are not within the norm of our society.

My son in college and everyone his age use literally far too much, especially when it is figuratively, and not literally.

Women use the word “like” as a crutch. My wife does this and it drives me crazy, especially since I’m trying to teach my kids proper English.

I can understand the confusion. I wasn’t real clear about that. My example was in the parentheses, and it was a little vague.

It was just an example, and not from an actual conversation. I don’t hang out with a lot of people that speak that way, but I do see and hear it a lot through other outlets. It’s possible that’s why you don’t see it as much as I do.

In my house as of now, the term of the day is "Technically".

I like this word, as I am normally a technical person....but my little girl has been waring this word out.

Example: "Hey baby, so is the T-Rex still your favorite dinosaur?"

Baby girl: "He is dad but technically it's the Velosa Raptor"

Me: "Hmn, ok. So how is the Velosa Raptor technically superior to T-Rex?"

Baby girl: "Well dad, I love them all but when you look at the intelligence and speed of both of them technically the Velosa Raptor is supperior dad."

Me: "Aw OK cool, very cool baby I didn't know that."

Me: "Now it's technically time to brush your teeth and go to sleep."

I sure do appreciate you teaching your kids proper English. And to be fair, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of “like.” It’s so pervasive that you have to make a conscious attempt to avoid it.

That’s good stuff.

And I wouldn’t bring this up if I didn’t think you could handle it, but technically, it’s velociraptor.

And “wearing.”

Sorry! I can’t help myself!

That was just for you amigo.

Technically, yes.

I don’t remember anything about multiple years of algebra but you hating that phrase is stuck in my brain.

Great, now I want a cigarette. Just kidding, I quit for good.....but last Sat went fishing....put a few fish in the box whilst drinking beer/having fun and I borrowed me a dip of snuff. Something I used to enjoy for most of my life on the regular but also quit years ago. Damn, that was good............nope not gonna do it.....

Dude, I don’t even remember how long it’s been since I mentioned it, but it’s been awhile. I am seriously impressed. I’m so jaded on that phrase I forgot that I hated it.

I wish I’d known about your aversion to such bad habits. I would have proven you wrong on that “for good” part.

Hey, let’s go fishing.

Aight then.

I take my part in being a bad influence very seriously.