Saying “Like” Makes You Seem Unfriendly And Unintelligent, Study Says

Those who begin and end their sentences with the word “like” are more likely to come off as less intelligent, according to researchers at Michigan State University.

MSU researcher Ashley Hesson co-authored the study that examined a listeners impression of someone who uses “like” to start a sentence or a clause. She says listeners viewed those who frequently use the word “like” as less intelligent and less friendly.

Hesson says the less friendly perception wore off as participants in study listened further, however, views on intelligence remained the same.

She says the study shows just as you have discrimination based on race, age and gender, there can also be language based discrimination.

The report appears in the most recent issue of the journal “American Speech.”