Literally, I Am Sick to Death of the Word Literally
Okay, I am not LITERALLY sick to death of it. At least I hope not. But I have noticed a lot of people recently who misuse the word. Think about it.
"Literally" means that something is actually happening. It is the opposite of metaphoric, or figurative. If I said, "metaphorically, or figuratively, I am sick to death of the word 'literally,'" then it would make sense. "Sick to death" is a metaphor, or a figure of speech, designed to add emphasis to a point. Just saying that I am tired of people misusing the word isn't enough, I have to add emphasis by saying that I am sick to death.
Language experts generally agree that adding emphasis to one's point is not necessary. If your point is worth saying, it should stand alone, without the need for added emphasis.
The other day, I was watching a local television weatherman, and he said, "this cold front is literally knocking on our front door." I went to the door, and guess what? No cold front.
Hillary said that her supporters were literally freezing to death.
A newspaper reported that Bill Clinton literally shocked his audience.
I started listening for others who misuse the word "literally" because I wanted you to know about it. I am amazed at how many people use the word, and tonight, as I sat down to write this, I thought I would do a little research to see if I am the only person in the world who is sick of it. I'm not. Literally, not by a dam site. Much to my delight, I found this blog. And more happy I could not be. Since Literally, a Weblog has so many great examples of the misuse of this word, and since so many of the examples are politicians currently on the stump, I'm going to defer to them. Enjoy.
Have you heard more people misusing the term? Please share.
"Literally" means that something is actually happening. It is the opposite of metaphoric, or figurative. If I said, "metaphorically, or figuratively, I am sick to death of the word 'literally,'" then it would make sense. "Sick to death" is a metaphor, or a figure of speech, designed to add emphasis to a point. Just saying that I am tired of people misusing the word isn't enough, I have to add emphasis by saying that I am sick to death.
Language experts generally agree that adding emphasis to one's point is not necessary. If your point is worth saying, it should stand alone, without the need for added emphasis.
The other day, I was watching a local television weatherman, and he said, "this cold front is literally knocking on our front door." I went to the door, and guess what? No cold front.
Hillary said that her supporters were literally freezing to death. A newspaper reported that Bill Clinton literally shocked his audience.I started listening for others who misuse the word "literally" because I wanted you to know about it. I am amazed at how many people use the word, and tonight, as I sat down to write this, I thought I would do a little research to see if I am the only person in the world who is sick of it. I'm not. Literally, not by a dam site. Much to my delight, I found this blog. And more happy I could not be. Since Literally, a Weblog has so many great examples of the misuse of this word, and since so many of the examples are politicians currently on the stump, I'm going to defer to them. Enjoy.
Have you heard more people misusing the term? Please share.
Fear not Jason - I'm fighting this Literally misuse. We will be victorious in the end! I'm literally going to Hell and back to sort out this literal injustice.
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I'm glad you're on the case, Paul! I heard a man on television yesterday say, "I literally could see the wheels turning in his head." Pretty funny. Love your site!
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