Comments on: Just because literally means “literally” doesn’t mean it can’t be used figuratively. http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/ Curious | Cute | Comical | Crazy Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:35:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Tom http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-96180 Tom Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:37:03 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-96180 I disagree. Literally shouldn't (can't?) be used figuratively because 'literally' is the antonym of 'figuratively'. I disagree. Literally shouldn’t (can’t?) be used figuratively because ‘literally’ is the antonym of ‘figuratively’.

]]> By: Sunday Interesting Weekend: 7 Year Old Humor « Responsible Father http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-47229 Sunday Interesting Weekend: 7 Year Old Humor « Responsible Father Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:41:09 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-47229 [...] only seven and she’s using the word ‘literally’ correctly! In a joke, [...] [...] only seven and she’s using the word ‘literally’ correctly! In a joke, [...]

]]> By: Joey http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29315 Joey Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:32:57 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29315 So I started reading 'Stuff of Thought' by Pinker this week and he mentions a club called A.W.F.U.L. (Americans Who Figuratively Use "Literally") and includes the wonderful sentence, "The American press has literally emasculated President Nixon." [pg 239] So I started reading ‘Stuff of Thought’ by Pinker this week and he mentions a club called A.W.F.U.L. (Americans Who Figuratively Use “Literally”) and includes the wonderful sentence, “The American press has literally emasculated President Nixon.”
[pg 239]

]]> By: AZ http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29314 AZ Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:51:05 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29314 I agree 100% on principal - though I try to avoid the usage in practice - simply because it's not accepted usage amongst a certain group of people (who will invariably point out that you don't mean "literal" literally). It also makes for some pretty amusing imagery, if you take the use of "literal" literally. I still remember Casey Kasem talking about a NKOTB song that "literally catapulted the group to the top". Immediately I imagined Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, Donnie, and Danny hurling through the air . . . . I agree 100% on principal – though I try to avoid the usage in practice – simply because it’s not accepted usage amongst a certain group of people (who will invariably point out that you don’t mean “literal” literally).

It also makes for some pretty amusing imagery, if you take the use of “literal” literally.

I still remember Casey Kasem talking about a NKOTB song that “literally catapulted the group to the top”. Immediately I imagined Jordan, Joey, Jonathan, Donnie, and Danny hurling through the air . . . .

]]> By: jamsco http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29313 jamsco Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:48:00 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29313 "As far as I can tell, the figurative use is always obvious." And if I say "we're heading south for a trip to Duluth", it is obvious that I meant 'North'. That doesn't make it not a mistake, or a wise thing to say. “As far as I can tell, the figurative use is always obvious.”

And if I say “we’re heading south for a trip to Duluth”, it is obvious that I meant ‘North’. That doesn’t make it not a mistake, or a wise thing to say.

]]> By: Joel http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29312 Joel Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:18:41 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29312 Since most examples of the literal use could actually be exaggerations meant to be figurative, it seems to me that there could be confusions with any literal use of the word, now that people use it in the figurative way as well. "It literally pains me to hear how loudly kids play that rap music, these days!" Since most examples of the literal use could actually be exaggerations meant to be figurative, it seems to me that there could be confusions with any literal use of the word, now that people use it in the figurative way as well.

“It literally pains me to hear how loudly kids play that rap music, these days!”

]]> By: Abraham Piper http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29311 Abraham Piper Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:16:29 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29311 To those concerned with potential ambiguity, will you please give me an example of a realistic sentence in which the speaker could mean either definition of <i>literally</i>? As far as I can tell, the figurative use is always obvious. If you claim to be confused by such sentences as "We were literally freezing to death," then you're insulting yourself. To those concerned with potential ambiguity, will you please give me an example of a realistic sentence in which the speaker could mean either definition of literally?

As far as I can tell, the figurative use is always obvious.

If you claim to be confused by such sentences as “We were literally freezing to death,” then you’re insulting yourself.

]]> By: Joel http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29310 Joel Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:46:12 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29310 Is it clear that there is any kind of consensus as to how "literally" is being used currently? When I hear people say that word, they are usually using it in the classic sense. Anyway, if it is being used in both senses, perhaps we shouldn't use the word at all, lest we be misunderstood by half our listeners/readers. Is it clear that there is any kind of consensus as to how “literally” is being used currently? When I hear people say that word, they are usually using it in the classic sense. Anyway, if it is being used in both senses, perhaps we shouldn’t use the word at all, lest we be misunderstood by half our listeners/readers.

]]> By: Frank Turk http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29309 Frank Turk Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:51:51 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29309 "literally" doesn't mean "woodenly". I think we should say "literately" -- meaning, as any decent reader of the language would interpret the passage in question. You know: because we have to ask ourselves what Jesus meant when he said, "I am the bread of life," among other things. “literally” doesn’t mean “woodenly”. I think we should say “literately” — meaning, as any decent reader of the language would interpret the passage in question.

You know: because we have to ask ourselves what Jesus meant when he said, “I am the bread of life,” among other things.

]]> By: jamsco http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29308 jamsco Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:30:35 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29308 "That became clear in the comments if I remember correctly." Looking back at the comments there I notice that they were the partial stimulus for you to write this one. "As far as being wrong, wrong, wrong about literally I’ll gladly stand with the authors quoted in the article I linked to." Hmmm. I can't help but note that he didn't give actual quote from one of those guys. “That became clear in the comments if I remember correctly.”

Looking back at the comments there I notice that they were the partial stimulus for you to write this one.

“As far as being wrong, wrong, wrong about literally I’ll gladly stand with the authors quoted in the article I linked to.”

Hmmm. I can’t help but note that he didn’t give actual quote from one of those guys.

]]> By: Abraham Piper http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29307 Abraham Piper Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:13:16 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29307 Jamsco, You're right in your first sentence. I was wrong on that post. That became clear in the comments if I remember correctly. As far as being wrong, wrong, wrong about <i>literally</i> I'll gladly stand with the authors quoted in the article I linked to. Jamsco,

You’re right in your first sentence. I was wrong on that post. That became clear in the comments if I remember correctly.

As far as being wrong, wrong, wrong about literally I’ll gladly stand with the authors quoted in the article I linked to.

]]> By: KP http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29306 KP Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:00:31 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29306 Hey, Dylan, a thought about this... <i>Language requires a way to communicate the concept of the more historical uses of the word and if “literally” becomes “figuratively,” we’ll need to replace it with a new word.</i> Yeah! That's kind of exciting, actually! It doesn't only come to <i>meaningless (or at least diminished)</i> language (Susan's dire phrase!). It means we get to be thoughtful and creative and careful and experimental. Lots of fun stuff. Cheerfully, KP Hey, Dylan, a thought about this…

Language requires a way to communicate the concept of the more historical uses of the word and if “literally” becomes “figuratively,” we’ll need to replace it with a new word.

Yeah! That’s kind of exciting, actually!

It doesn’t only come to meaningless (or at least diminished) language (Susan’s dire phrase!). It means we get to be thoughtful and creative and careful and experimental. Lots of fun stuff.

Cheerfully,
KP

]]> By: Susan http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29305 Susan Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:53:57 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29305 Many words have been rendered meaningless (or at least diminished) because of overuse or misuse. Awesome is another that comes to mind. Many words have been rendered meaningless (or at least diminished) because of overuse or misuse. Awesome is another that comes to mind.

]]> By: carissa http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29304 carissa Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:31:02 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29304 you can never communicate completely unambiguously. sorry to sound so postmodern, but it's true. human language is always less specific than say, computer programming languages, because humans have the ability to automatically and (usually) effortlessly fill in the blanks, and they assume that others will know how, too. sometimes, of course, this breaks down - because humans are autonomous and not machines - but there are LOTS of words with multiple meanings and you almost always can tell which meaning is desired in context. your brain is amazing! you can never communicate completely unambiguously. sorry to sound so postmodern, but it’s true.

human language is always less specific than say, computer programming languages, because humans have the ability to automatically and (usually) effortlessly fill in the blanks, and they assume that others will know how, too. sometimes,
of course, this breaks down – because humans are autonomous and not machines – but there are LOTS of words with multiple meanings and you almost always can tell which meaning is desired in context. your brain is amazing!

]]> By: jamsco http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29303 jamsco Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:56:57 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29303 Thousands of words are used differently than they’re defined. So why not 'Randomly'? http://twentytwowords.com/2008/10/17/eenie-meeny-miny%e2%80%94you-there%e2%80%94third-one-back/ Abraham, you are wrong, wrong, wrong on this one! Thousands of words are used differently than they’re defined. So why not ‘Randomly’?

http://twentytwowords.com/2008/10/17/eenie-meeny-miny%e2%80%94you-there%e2%80%94third-one-back/

Abraham, you are wrong, wrong, wrong on this one!

]]> By: Dylan http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29302 Dylan Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:39:06 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29302 My last paragraph should have read: In my opinion, the issue is less about grammatical correctness or evolving language but rather the ability to communicate unambiguously. My last paragraph should have read:

In my opinion, the issue is less about grammatical correctness or evolving language but rather the ability to communicate unambiguously.

]]> By: Dylan http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29301 Dylan Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:38:29 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29301 That esteemed writers have used words to mean something contradictory to their original meaning does not justify the practice. Many figurative examples cited in the linked article are used in such a way that confusion in meaning is exceedingly unlikely. The problem today is that 'literally' is being used in ways that are not clear and thus rendering the word useless or nearly useless. Language requires a way to communicate the concept of the more historical uses of the word and if "literally" becomes "figuratively," we'll need to replace it with a new word. In my opinion, the is less about grammatical correctness or evolving language but rather the ability to communicate unambiguously. That esteemed writers have used words to mean something contradictory to their original meaning does not justify the practice. Many figurative examples cited in the linked article are used in such a way that confusion in meaning is exceedingly unlikely.

The problem today is that ‘literally’ is being used in ways that are not clear and thus rendering the word useless or nearly useless. Language requires a way to communicate the concept of the more historical uses of the word and if “literally” becomes “figuratively,” we’ll need to replace it with a new word.

In my opinion, the is less about grammatical correctness or evolving language but rather the ability to communicate unambiguously.

]]> By: JoeS http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29300 JoeS Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:18:45 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29300 Are there no instances when it is right to redeem words from shifting usage? If any word should not shift, it's 'literally.' Are there no instances when it is right to redeem words from shifting usage? If any word should not shift, it’s ‘literally.’

]]> By: Jake http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29299 Jake Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:00:04 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29299 Then I wish a new word would develop that means what "literally" used to mean. Then I wish a new word would develop that means what “literally” used to mean.

]]> By: Scott http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29286 Scott Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:02:56 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29286 I think everyone will enjoy this: http://warehousecomic.com/comic_332.php I think everyone will enjoy this:
http://warehousecomic.com/comic_332.php

]]> By: Laurie http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29287 Laurie Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:47:01 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29287 I enjoyed perusing the article written by Jesse Sheidlower. It was literally amusing and informative and some parts figuratively cracked me up. I enjoyed perusing the article written by Jesse Sheidlower.
It was literally amusing and informative and some parts figuratively cracked me up.

]]> By: brandontmilan http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29298 brandontmilan Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:11:57 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29298 Word meaning is determined by usage. Period. That's how languages evolve and how new languages develop. Word meaning is determined by usage. Period. That’s how languages evolve and how new languages develop.

]]> By: Myrddin http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29297 Myrddin Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:26:41 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29297 Great post. Great article. But I'll literally have to force myself to be one of those who stops being peeved by the secondary usage! Great post. Great article.

But I’ll literally have to force myself to be one of those who stops being peeved by the secondary usage!

]]> By: Joe http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29296 Joe Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:23:06 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29296 I recall a moment during the Presidential Primaries, when people were standing in line all day to vote back in February), that Hillary Clinton said, "People were literally freezing to death." I remember thinking, "My goodness, I hope not! Wouldn't that be a P.R. disaster." Thankfully, Hillary had apparently learned what Abraham is teaching us already. Phew! That was a close one. I recall a moment during the Presidential Primaries, when people were standing in line all day to vote back in February), that Hillary Clinton said, “People were literally freezing to death.”

I remember thinking, “My goodness, I hope not! Wouldn’t that be a P.R. disaster.”

Thankfully, Hillary had apparently learned what Abraham is teaching us already. Phew! That was a close one.

]]> By: Greg http://twentytwowords.com/2008/12/11/just-because-literally-means-%e2%80%9cliterally%e2%80%9d-doesn%e2%80%99t-mean-it-can%e2%80%99t-be-used-figuratively/#comment-29295 Greg Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:11:39 +0000 http://twentytwowords.com/?p=1722#comment-29295 Not taking something literally often means not taking it seriously! GB Not taking something literally often means not taking it seriously!

GB

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