Book description
Megan C. Reynolds' Like: A History of the World's Most Hated (and Misunderstood) Word is a refreshing linguistic adventure that turns a familiar curse-word into an unlikely hero. The book feels less like a dry grammar manual and more like a conversational tour guide, inviting readers to step out of their comfort zones and listen closely to how "like" shapes everyday speech.
Reynolds begins by tracing the word's humble origins-an old-fashioned verb that migrated from the front of sentences into the throats of teenagers and bloggers. From there she unpacks its many roles: a pause filler, an emphatic booster, an emotional bridge between speakers, and even a subtle marker of solidarity among marginalized voices. By weaving anecdotes with scholarly research, she shows how "like" can both erase hierarchies-by leveling the playing field in dialogue-and reinforce them-when it is used to dismiss or trivialize opinions.
What sets this book apart is its balanced tone. Reynolds does not demonise the word; instead, she celebrates its versatility and cultural significance. Her prose is breezy yet precise, making complex linguistic concepts feel accessible without sacrificing depth. Readers who love language, enjoy pop-culture commentary, or advocate for inclusive communication will find themselves nodding along and gaining a new appreciation for this ubiquitous filler.
In short, Like is more than a word study-it's a cultural mirror held up to our own speech habits. Reynolds invites us to rethink the everyday chatter that surrounds us, reminding us that even the most "hated" words can carry unexpected power when we listen carefully. A must-read for anyone curious about how language shapes-and is shaped by-our collective identity.
3P-own
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience