Liked To

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "liked to" (or "like to") means "almost" or "nearly." It’s a distinct grammar feature that turns a plain sentence into something full of regional flavor.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You'll hear 'liked to' or ''bout' instead of 'nearly.'

Pronunciation

[LAHK(t) tuh] or [LAHKT tuh] depending on the speaker

Meaning & Usage

- Almost or nearly (dialectal modal) (verb phrase)

Mae:

Was it really that funny?

Earl:

He liked to fall out of his chair laughin’.

- Used to intensify a narrow escape or strong reaction

Mae:

That snake near you?

Earl:

I like to died when I saw it.

variations: like to, nearly, almost

★ "Liked to" is one of the clearest markers of Southern/Appalachian grammar. It adds immediacy and color to a story - a quick way to say "I almost did" without using "almost." ★

Origin

Recorded in American English since at least the early 19th century, "liked to" comes from older British English constructions but survived most strongly in the South and Appalachia. It’s documented extensively in the Dictionary of American Regional English.

Notes

Still widely used in rural Southern and Appalachian speech. Outside the region it may sound quaint or confusing to listeners unfamiliar with the construction.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it quick and clipped: "liked to" or "like to," rhyming with "hiked to." The "d" is often soft or dropped.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "liked to" mean "enjoyed" here?

No - it means "almost" or "nearly," a special regional use.

Do people still use this today?

Yes - especially in storytelling, rural areas, and among older speakers.

Is it unique to Appalachia?

It’s strongest in the South and Appalachia but known in parts of the Midwest too.

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