Annoyance: The word Literally

FriskyPanda · October 2011

Does everyone understand that the word literally means that whatever you say actually did happen? For example, literally died would mean that you actually, did in fact die. Or if you type that you literally peed your pants, then you are actually sitting at the computer in urine soaked clothes.

I know it isn't as fun as saying figuratively since figuratively takes some of the oomph out of it, but please understand the difference.

Sunflower777 · October 2011

I appreciate this post. I would say that the misuse of there, their and they're bothers me more, however.

veloelle · October 2011

Meh. It's a message board. I literally think people think too much and should literally let it be a benign place for moms to bitchandmoan about our FWP.

Halo79RN · October 2011

this is dh's peeve... he hates it when people say literally. he hates added verbiage.

summerbrideDC · October 2011

LOL, this reminds me of Rob Lowe's character on Parks & Rec; he says "Lit'relly" in front of everything and it cracks me up. In real life, I agree it is a little annoying, especially when paired w/ idioms like "raining cats & dogs." I had a student tell me once that it was "literally raining cats & dogs." That was an interesting class....

FriskyPanda · October 2011

Halo79RN:
this is dh's peeve... he hates it when people say literally. he hates added verbiage.

What I really can't stand is when I spell words wrong and think they're right. I say this here with the above quote because I spelled verbiage wrong for entirely too long.