Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

That may be, but the rug has been pulled out from under "literally". One will never again be able to assert something ... literally ... and expect to be believed.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literally

1 : in a literal sense or manner : actually <took the remark literally> <was literally insane>

2 : in effect : virtually <will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice — Norman Cousins>




I've taken to repeating it twice. For example, "When the board saw the CEO's plans for the company-wide reorganization, they literally-literally cut him off at the knees"

(As in, they drew a sword and severed his limbs, such that literal-literal blood was everywhere)

Very sad.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: