Like = Said

Common vernacular changes with the times.  It has always done so, in all places, in all languages. Sometimes it is for the better, sometimes not.

What I would really like to know is how the word "like" started equating with "said".

Here is a story-joke, and a good one, grammar and vocabulary aside:

They're like.  You're like.  He was like.  I was like. The cat will be like.

Stop and think about this for a second.

IT SOUNDS REALLY STUPID
(I am sure)

It is ubiquitous. "...was like..." is in every conversation, usually younger age groups (but not always), all groups of people.

Apparently, this use of the term has evolved from a Frank Zappa song!

And sadly, most of the people using it these days probably don't even know who Frank Zappa is.