like like

English

Etymology

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /ˈlaɪ̯k.laɪ̯k/
Audio (UK): (file)

Verb

like like (third-person singular simple present like likes, present participle like liking, simple past and past participle like liked)

(slang, transitive) To fancy; to be romantically or sexually attracted to.
Do you just "like" her or do you "like like" her?
- 2008, Meg Cabot, How to Be Popular, page 131:
  i seriously think he likes me. Like, LIKE likes me. Did you see how he let me draw all over his shoes today during the convocation? Oh my God. What a mess. Because of course there was NO WAY Jason LIKE liked Becca.
- 2009, Laura Fitzgerald, One True Theory of Love:
  “I mean, he like likes her. Like, he likes her.” […] / “That's different than like-liking her. Are you saying you have other feelings for her?” Henry sighed.
- 2010, Pseudonymous Bosch, This Isn't What It Looks Like:
  “Yeah, you know, like liked,” said Cass, automatically raising her eyebrows to make the point, even though the Jester couldn't see them. / […] / “Like liked? What does that mean—that I like her twice? But I don't like her even once—I loathe her thrice!” protested the Jester.

Usage notes

Used by children and teenagers to distinguish between liking someone as a friend and fancying them; it's far less blunt than simply saying "fancy".
Generally used as part of a question (or in the answer to the question), and usually in comparison to "like".