The Evolution of 'Like'

The word 'like' has a rich historical context, dating back to the 13th century as a verb before evolving into various usages. Its function as a discourse marker emerged around the 16th century, indicating that its use is not merely a modern trend but part of a longstanding evolution in language. Linguists argue that 'like' serves numerous purposes in communication, such as providing emphasis, indicating subjectivity, and establishing narrative perspective. This multifunctionality points to its valuable role in expressing nuanced thoughts and emotions rather than being a sign of poor language skills.