It’s, Like, Not Good in Print Either
A recent article in the local newspaper–a front-page, above-the-fold article–told the story of a local politician at an event. The politician handed a treat to a youngster, and the mother somewhat protested. The next line of the article read:
Russo was like, “What?”
Please read that again. If you think the word “said” should have been used instead of “like,” we’re on the same page.
There is absolutely no reason why the word “like” should have been in that sentence, unless it was part of a direct quote. (And even then, I think there’s a way to partially quote the person and leave out the word “like.”)
It’s bad enough that that word is horribly misused in the spoken language. (And I will admit right here that I catch myself using it now and again, and could scream when I hear it come out of my mouth.) “Like,” as it is shown in that sentence, should never, ever, ever be used in print.
There’s nothing wrong with the written word being somewhat more formal than the spoken, especially when your words are going to be read by a lot of other people. If you are writing a business letter to a customer or a blog post on your company’s website, you should use words that are powerful and reflect the professionalism of yourself and your company.
Words create an image in the reader’s mind. If you are using the word “like” when you should be using “said,” a reader can’t help but conjure the image of someone who is not that professional or mature. As the younger generations become businesspeople, they are going to have to be especially careful of this.
Today, I heard a reporter on CSPAN asking questions of an international figure. She used the word “like” no less than eight times in her question, and threw in a couple of “you knows” and “and things.” What do those words convey? The idea that the reporter is young, inexperienced and uncomfortable in that position. There was no sense of confidence and authority.
The same thing happens in the written word. We must use words that convey an image of strength, maturity and professionalism.
on August 27th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
My stepdaughter back in California was over the top with that kind of language: I’m all–he’s like–she goes… And every time I would interrupt and say “you mean, he said?” It drove her nuts, but she got past it and now speaks, like, English.
Another pet peeve: the reply “No problem.” to my “Thank you.” I understand that it is just like “de nada” (it’s nothing) in Spanish, but the correct English response is “you’re welcome.”
on August 27th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
When I was in high school, everyone said, “he goes,” instead of “he said.” It was still wrong, but somehow didn’t sound as awful as “like.” I’m trying very hard to keep my kids away from “like.”
As far as a reply to “thank you,” I have a habit of saying “sure,” instead of “you’re welcome.” Gotta watch that!
on September 16th, 2008 at 10:17 am
It’s one thing to hear it and cring. It’s another thing to see it in print.
Does this come from people saying “write so it sounds as natural as speaking?” Maybe we should watch how we speak too!
Thanks for the insight!
Chris
on September 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Yes, I think people are trying to write in “everyday” language. But I think it’s okay–and actually necessary–for a newspaper and other print media to write in a formal tone. Plus, it just makes the journalist sound so much more professional.