Like

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "like" can mean "lack" or "need." It’s an old dialect feature that turns an ordinary verb into a vivid way of saying something is missing.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I still hear and say 'likes' in place of 'lacks'. I grew up hearin' it used that way, and still hear it in the country.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I still hear and say 'likes' in place of 'lacks'. I grew up hearin' it used that way, and still hear it in the country.

Pronunciation

[LAHK]
/lɑːjək/

Meaning & Usage

- To lack or be short of (verb)

Mae:

How’s the soup taste?

Earl:

It likes a pinch more pepper.

- To need or be shy of a certain amount (verb)

Mae:

Is he six feet?

Earl:

He likes two inches of bein’ six foot even.

variations: lack, need, short of, wants for

★ "Like" for "lack" is a living fossil of older British and Scots-Irish dialects. It survived in the mountains as part of everyday speech long after it faded elsewhere. ★

Origin and Etymology

Chiefly Southern and Appalachian, this usage stems from older English dialects where "like" and "lack" overlapped in meaning, brought to the U.S. by Scots-Irish settlers.

Usage Notes

Still heard today among older speakers or in rural areas. Younger speakers may recognize it but use "lack" or "need" instead. It adds instant mountain flavor to a story or quote.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it plain: "likes" instead of "lacks." Often paired with a noun or measurement: "He likes two inches of being six feet tall."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "like" always mean "lack" in the South?

No - it’s only in certain contexts, mainly older or rural speech.

Do people still say this today?

Yes - especially older folks or those maintaining family speech patterns.

Is it unique to Appalachia?

Strongest in Appalachia and the Southern Highlands, though historically found in some other rural regions too.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Like. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/like-meaning-lack
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Like." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/like-meaning-lack.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Like." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/like-meaning-lack.