phrase Pop Culture

Like, Totally

/laɪk ˈtoʊtəli/ · phrase · informal

The signature Valley-girl filler combo meaning 'absolutely' or 'for sure.'

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Definitions

1

A standalone reply expressing full enthusiastic agreement.

“You think we should go? Like, totally, let's do it.”
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2

An emphatic agreement meaning 'absolutely' or 'completely,' delivered in Valley-girl cadence.

“Is that band good? Like, totally.”
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3

Used as a verbal-filler intensifier sprinkled through sentences for emphasis.

“I was, like, totally freaking out when I saw him.”
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Like, Totally In A Sentence

That movie was, like, totally the best thing ever.
She's, like, totally in love with him, it's obvious.
Are you coming to the mall? Like, totally.

Origin & Usage

A hallmark of early-80s Valley-girl speech from California's San Fernando Valley, spread by the 1982 'Valley Girl' song and films like 'Clueless' later. 'Like' became a discourse marker and 'totally' the all-purpose intensifier.

Variants totallyfor surelike, for sure
Tags #80s#american#pop

People Also Ask

What does 'like, totally' mean?

It means 'absolutely' or 'completely' — an enthusiastic yes delivered in Valley-girl style.

Why do Valley girls say 'like' so much?

'Like' works as a filler and softener in casual speech, and it became the defining tic of 80s Valley-girl talk.

Do people still say 'like, totally'?

Yes, though now often jokingly or to imitate the 80s/90s Valley-girl vibe.

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