   Liked ToIn 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. 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[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 and EtymologyRecorded 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. Usage NotesStill 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 SouthernerSay it quick and clipped: "liked to" or "like to," rhyming with "hiked to." The "d" is often soft or dropped. | ...
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