Like has, like, a new meaning.
how "like" fills in the blanks
The struggle and the solution
Communication is an evolving struggle among today's younger generation. Gathering one's thoughts in an organized manner is confusing and requires large amounts of concentrated thought, often leaving a person tongue-tied and unsure of what to do or say. Today's teens seem to have involuntarily found a solution to this problem by using "like" as a pause word to fill in the blanks.
"Like" in the classroom
This relatively new use of the word "like" is already considered acceptable in everyday conversation and formal presentations, but it is now becoming increasingly common in texting language and other written works. Teachers across the nation are beginning to acknowledge that their students need this extra word as a bridge to connect their next thought.
"I'm starting to believe that using this word, like, really helps my students find their words," one Dallas English teacher tells us. " I've witnessed when my students present book reports and draw a blank, they simply utter "like" a few times and are quickly reminded of what comes next. It really makes them appear to be prepared!"
The future of "like"
An additional definition of the word will be added to Webster's dictionary this spring. This new meaning of "like" is so unique that it will be listed under its own new genre of words. It seems that this is, like, the end of teachers taking off points for uncertainty in presentations and writing.
About the author
Peyton Robinson is a junior editor and writer for Mrs. Matthews' 7th period class. She enjoys reading and writing and has recently expanded her field to satirical works.