this may be off topic, but i've noticed previously that you seem to believe language can ever be anything but vague or slippery or confusing.
It's more of a general personal preference than an overarching belief about how language ought to be used. I mean, if other people want to be relaxed about it - even to the point of being vague and/or poetic - I am fine with that unless clarity is essential to understanding such as when collaborating on a technical project.
"like" is entirely both vague and euphemistic, just as if you said "she's nice".
How is "like" euphemistic? For that matter, how is "nice" euphemistic?
you're not outperforming anyone who attempts more fluid ways of describing their actually fluid experiences in this dedication to an ideal of absolute fixed precision.
"Dedication to an ideal of absolute fixed precision" isn't how I'd describe my preference for clarity, Invisible. If I was
that obsessed, I'd blab about norepinephrine and dopamine being secreted in my brain or some high flown nerd talk like that. But as it is, "like" is clear enough that anyone within earshot will make the right inference(s). On the other hand, "dayumm, girl!" (just as an example) isn't clear. Not so much in the sense that people might misinterpret me as lacking attraction, but that they might misinterpret me as being a fucking idiot who has no self control.
So - I'm not a language facist, I just like to minimize misinterpretations. In this particular instance, it's served me pretty well. I don't go up to girls and beat around the bush; they know where they stand with me always. You'd be surprised at how attractive many of them will find that sort of directness.
the idea that we can get at reality with language is an illusion - we're dealing with a system of reference that is not actually embedded in the fabric of reality, but is an invention we use to try and describe it. there will always be misunderstandings involved. this inescapable feature of language doesn't have to be a shortcoming, it can be delightful, as in punning.
I agree; language is the map, not the territory itself. And I have a lot of fun with double entendres and word play - just not all the time. Especially not when I want my intentions and/or meanings to be clear.