Like, 9780063415287
Hardcover
Misunderstood, versatile “like”: more than just a filler word.

Like

a history of the world's most hated (and misunderstood) word

$50.73

  • Hardcover

    256 pages

  • Release Date

    5 November 2025

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Summary

Like: The Untold Story of a Misunderstood Word

A comprehensive and thought-provoking investigation into one of the most polarizing words in the English language.

Few words in the English language are as misunderstood as “like.” Indeed, excessive use of this word is a surefire way to make those who pride themselves on propriety, both grammatical and otherwise, feel compelled to issue correctives.

But what the detractors of this word fail to understand…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9780063415287
ISBN-10:0063415283
Author:Megan C. Reynolds
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Imprint:HarperOne
Format:Hardcover
Number of Pages:256
Release Date:5 November 2025
Weight:347g
Dimensions:210mm x 140mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

“Like is a fun and fascinating book that will leave its readers with delight, curiosity, and hope. Anyone who has ever been criticized for using this word, or has censured it themselves, needs not only read Megan Reynolds’s work but shout it from the rooftops.” — Amanda Montell, New York Times-bestselling author of The Age of Magical Overthinking and Cultish”Valuable books have been written about ‘ain’t,’ ‘okay,’ ‘bullshit,’ and, as the title of Jesse Sheidlower’s classic puts it, ‘the F-word.‘ We can add to that list Megan Reynold’s Like, a witty, informative, and thankfully non-judgmental deep dive into that beleaguered but extremely useful word.” — Ben Yagoda, author of How to Not Write Bad”Reynolds smartly and lightheartedly shares various scenarios in which she feels using the word ‘like’ in conversation offers an advantage. … Convincing evidence for offering ‘like’ another chance in the American English vernacular.” — Kirkus Reviews”Reynolds effectively mounts her larger argument: that people should embrace language’s changes rather than becoming cranky grammatical nitpickers exuding ‘hall monitor energy.’ It’s a passionate … love letter to linguistic evolution.” — Publishers Weekly”Full of interesting details, humorous asides, and vindication for all the readers who ever had a teacher put hatch marks on the board every time a student uttered ‘like’ in class, Like is a cathartic, enjoyable, and accessible read. … Like is more than an exploration of grammar and usage. It’s, like, a love letter to the way teenage girls shape the English language.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review)

About The Author

Megan C. Reynolds

Megan C. Reynolds is an editor at Dwell magazine, and previously worked at Jezebel and The Billfold. She’s written for Buzzfeed, the New York Times, Elle, Gawker, Bustle, Vulture, and other outlets. Megan was also the co-host of the short-lived podcast Dirtcast. She lives in New York City.

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