When, why, how did the word “like” become inserted so frequently into the spoken English language?

Question

When, why, how did the word “like” become inserted so frequently into the spoken English language?

In: Other

Answer 1

It’s actually older than you might think! As a filler word, it has been used in Welsh English, Scottish English, and Geordie English since the 19th century.  In the US, it’s been used in this way since the 1950s, when beatniks began to use it. But it seems like it was widely popularised by teenage culture in the 80s, and particularly the song “Valley Girls” by Frank Zappa, which was making fun of how teenage girls in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California were speaking at the time.  Edit: there’s a good article on the history of “like” [here](https://archive.ph/XRgmx) if you’re interested.