This causes long struggle sessions about the word "literally" between people that want it to mean something and those that want it to be a flavoring word for figurative statements.

[–] zifnab25@hexbear.net 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Note that the word "literal" still holds its original meaning. The turn of phrase is meant as exaggeration, not a change in formal definition. It has also fallen out of heavy use with more modern turns of phrase. So what "literally" means, as an adjective, is falling back into the traditional usage over time.

[–] UlyssesT@hexbear.net 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

The turn of phrase is meant as exaggeration, not a change in formal definition.

I have often seen it being used in a flexible bendy way that pretends to be the formal definition whenever it suits the poster, such as someone being called "literally insane" because someone disagreed with them. smuglord

[–] zifnab25@hexbear.net 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That's just another example of hyperbole.

[–] UlyssesT@hexbear.net 1 points 2 years ago

Only a tiny bit of ableistic concern trolling, totally factually, in the center of that hyperbole. No change in formal definition. doubt