On misuse of the word 'literally'

Here's one for Mr Christie, who shares my annoyance at the misuse of the word "literally".

Someone has compiled a website of the most clanging examples. Highlights include this one from the late Jerry Falwell:

"Someone must not be afraid to say, ‘moral perversion is wrong.’ If we do not act now, homosexuals will own America! If you and I do not speak up now, this homosexual steamroller will literally crush all decent men, women, and children who get in its way … and our nation will pay a terrible price!”

Almost as good as our friend who told us how she laughed so hard that she "literally" pissed herself...

Comments

[Cleaver]

My personal peeve is "begs the question".

It has a specific meaning that's really quite useful.

If you mean "raises the question", then what's wrong with using those exact words? They do the job admirably.

[Damian Christie]

Heh, thanks for the dedication. Seems to be very popular with those annoying radio jocks the commercial airwaves are so full of. I have also definitely heard one of them say "Maaaaate, I was *literally* pissing myself!"

Fortunately "literally" seems to have been replaced in the kiwi lexicon for the timebeing with "actually". Which is good, because unlike literally, actually doesn't mean anything.

Another thing I hate? People who start off stories with "the funniest thing I ever heard... ". Not only because they will usually offer ten such examples of the funniest thing in any given evening, but also because the stories people who use that phrase tell are *never* funny. LIterally.

[clare]

You should join my facebook group - I literally want to stop people misusing the word literally :)