Skip to content

I have difficulties with contemporary language. Big…

“I have difficulties with contemporary language. Big difficulties. I counted, you know, something like 160 words have disappeared from the English language because of the use of the word "like." "I'm like, he's like" - not "thought," not "as if ."” quote by Toni Morrison
Download Open image
“I have difficulties with contemporary language. Big difficulties. I counted, you know, something like 160 words have disappeared from the English language because of the use of the word "like." "I'm like, he's like" - not "thought," not "as if ."”

Toni Morrison

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overuse of filler words like "like" erodes precise language, leading to loss of vocabulary and clarity.

In simple terms: Filler words dilute speech.

Key Takeaway

Reduce filler usage.

Themes

language communication culture

Mood

reflective concerned

Type

analysis observation

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • editing
  • public speaking
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

semantic shift linguistic change

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this affect understanding?
  • Can new terms replace lost words?
A Different Perspective

Changing language trends may reflect broader cultural shifts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Toni Morrison

Explore all 774 Toni Morrison quotes

More Bigs quotes

Browse all 15,539 Bigs quotes