Monday, February 24, 2014

Literally?

Michael and I have been watching "Lost".  In an episode somebody used literally incorrectly.

Michael:

"People literally use literally all the time when they literally should not.  It literally should only be used literally in cases, like, 

"I literally fell off the wagon" - you know when you do fall off the wagon and not when you start drinking again."



Me:

"Like when you had sex and you say we were literally banging on the bed, oh no that is entirely wrong."

Michael:

"It would work if you did not have sex and you were sitting on the bed banging drums."

Me:

"I could see "I literally have defined calves on my legs" working, but I would have to illustrate that one."

Michael:

"I have no idea what you are talking about. I think you had to bring up calves because you are proud of your calves because of cycling."

Me:

"When I do the illustration you will understand."



Below are examples of when you can use literally (illustrated for ease of reference)
:



I literally have a bun in the oven:



I literally kicked the bucket:

I literally have a chip on my shoulder:


That literally is a piece of cake:



She was literally pulling his leg:



I literally have an axe to grind:



I literally hit the nail on the head:




I literally hit the sack:



Literally holding your horses:



I literally was dumped:



Anybody literally have any other good literally suggestions?

4 comments:

  1. Currently the most overused word.. and you have literally illustrated it beautifully and with aplomb. Thank you for that. I'm literally so tired of hearing people misuse it I can hardly keep my eyes open... zzzzz good night, Vivian and Michael. Cheers!

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