Liked To
In Southern and Appalachian speech, liked to (or "like to") means almost or nearly. It functions as a regional modal construction that adds intensity and color to storytelling.
synonyms: nearly, almost
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear 'liked to' or ''bout' instead of 'nearly.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear 'liked to' or ''bout' instead of 'nearly.' Pronunciation
LAHKT-tuh
/ˈlɑːkt tə/
/ˈlɑːkt tə/
Meaning & Usage
- Almost or nearly (dialectal modal) (verb phrase)
Mae:
Was it really that funny?
Was it really that funny?
Earl:
He liked to fall out of his chair laughin’.
He liked to fall out of his chair laughin’.- Used to intensify a narrow escape or strong reaction
Mae:
That snake near you?
That snake near you?
Earl:
I like to died when I saw it.
I like to died when I saw it.variations: like to
★ When somebody uses "liked to," they’re tellin’ you the moment got right up to the edge - a good laugh, a big scare, or somethin’ they nearly did. ★
Origin and Etymology
The construction traces back to older British English patterns but became most durable in the American South and Appalachia. It is documented in American English from the early 19th century and remains a distinctive regional modal verb phrase.
Usage Notes
"Liked to" remains common in Southern and Appalachian storytelling and informal conversation. Outside these regions, it may sound old-fashioned or be misunderstood by speakers unfamiliar with the grammar.
- The form is strongest in rural Southern and Appalachian areas.
- "Like to" without the "d" is equally common.
- Not interchangeable with the verb "liked" meaning "enjoyed."
- Often used in emotional or high-reaction moments.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, November 22). Liked To. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/liked-to
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Liked To." HillbillySlang.com, 22 Nov. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/liked-to.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Liked To." HillbillySlang.com. November 22, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/liked-to.
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