Dear Editor,
Re: “Banish silly expressions,” Letters Dec. 18.
Thanks to Victor Godin for his letter. I found it very amusing, and it prompted me to think of my own “favourite” silly expression: Literally.
This word has been ubiquitous in its misuse for decades, and it makes me cringe every time I hear it.
Young people, especially, misuse it a lot, mainly because its real meaning isn’t taught any more. It is used incorrectly even by those in the media. I fear that its misuse has become so commonplace that it has become acceptable.
“Literally” means “in the literal (or word-for-word) sense,” as opposed to “figuratively,” or “in the metaphoric sense.” So it should be used to clarify that something actually happened as opposed to what happened metaphorically: I ran into an old friend at the mall (metaphorically).
I literally ran into an old friend at the mall (actually made physical contact).
But quite often, “literally” is used incorrectly to emphasize something in a non-literal sense: My son is literally driving me up the wall (not unless there was actually a car accident!).
Wow, that bodycheck literally sent him flying (not unless he sprouted wings!).
That performance literally took my breath away (it killed her?!).
These are examples when “literally” should not be used at all since the speaker’s intention is figurative.
Then there are instances when “literally” is not needed at all in the sentence because there is no metaphoric counterpart to the expression: Seinfeld is literally my all-time favourite TV series.
I hope this helps to clarify the proper use of “literally.” Because if I keep hearing its misuse, it’s going to drive me crazy.
Literally.
Doug Ng
Richmond
