[Misc] Use of LITERALLY

[lawros left foot]

People using the word, issue, when they really mean problems. It really gets my goat.

 

[Nathan]

People using the word, issue, when they really mean problems. It really gets my goat.

So that's literally a different issue, right.

 

[Peteinblack]

People using the word, issue, when they really mean problems. It really gets my goat.

Managers who refer to 'challenges' when they really mean problems (dumped on their staff)!

Oh, and the way that companies now use the word 'solutions' for their services: 'Plumbing solutions', 'Gardening solutions', 'office supply solutions', 'catering solutions', etc. WTF - It's endemic!

 

[Normal Rob]

People using the word, issue, when they really mean problems. It really gets my goat.

Agreed. The issue being that it does not sound right.

 

[Peteinblack]

People using the word, issue, when they really mean problems. It really gets my goat.

Not literally, though?

 

[beorhthelm]

While I appreciate the Oxford Dictionary feels it should reflect inaccurate informal usage that has become despicably widespread they should really think about the trouble caused by endorsing or encouraging such use.

i think this reminds us that dictionaries are records of the words used in a language, not specifications to define that language. though i think your right about allowing "literally" to slip like this, when the meanings contradict each other, they should bring some sanity to bear. or bare. (which is it?)

 

[clippedgull]

"Hard working families' , because single people are shirkers

 

[Tubby Mondays]

As annoying as the phrase 'to be honest', to be honest.

 

[Tubby Mondays]

"Hard working families' , because single people are shirkers

Hard working tax payers. Because all tax payers are hard workers.

 

[jackanada]

i think this reminds us that dictionaries are records of the words used in a language, not specifications to define that language. though i think your right about allowing "literally" to slip like this, when the meanings contradict each other, they should bring some sanity to bear. or bare. (which is it?)

bear

To continue the natural creep of meanings over time adds to the variety and nuance of our language, completely wrong headed use by numpties with a media presence is a different matter

 

[WATFORD zero]

So that's literally a different issue, right.

So that's like literally a different issue, right.

 

[Prince Monolulu]

So that's like literally a different issue, right.

Is that a question?

 

[WATFORD zero]

Is that a question?

What, like literally a question ?

 

[Mattywerewolf]

Hard working tax payers. Because all tax payers are hard workers.

even those that spend all day on NSC at work?

 

[Easy 10]

Why is it whenever people are relaying the tale of a conversation with someone else, they're always "turning round" and saying something ?

"So I said to her, I said 'it'll be swimming in custard by now, and SHE turned round and said well I'm not pulling it out then. So I turned round and said well its not my problem, I'm not here on Thursdays am I. So she turn'..."ETC

It conjures an image of two people constantly spinning on the spot before giving their reply. Odd.

 

[father_and_son]

if I've told you to stop exaggerating once I've told you a million times - like

Jeez, that joke is as old as the dinosaurs!

 

[GT49er]

bear

To continue the natural creep of meanings over time adds to the variety and nuance of our language, completely wrong headed use by numpties with a media presence is a different matter

I think the use (or rather, misuse) of 'literally' has been around so long and is so commonplace that I think it's now in the first category you mention, adding to the variety and nuance of our language. Nothing anybody can do can make this particular usage of the word go away - it's made it into the mainstream now.

 

[Hiney]

People using the word, issue, when they really mean problems. It really gets my goat.

I bet, like, you literally haven't even got a goat

 

[The Brighton Bear]

bear

To continue the natural creep of meanings over time adds to the variety and nuance of our language, completely wrong headed use by numpties with a media presence is a different matter

Leave me out of it!

 

[lawros left foot]

I bet, like, you literally haven't even got a goat

Ah, yes, but IF i did have a goat, it would definately get it