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That isn't misuse, it's how language works. "literally" has been used to mean "figuratively" since at least the 1700s. Insistence to the contrary is a modern pr
by krapp 3mo ago
That isn't misuse, it's how language works. "literally" has been used to mean "figuratively" since at least the 1700s. Insistence to the contrary is a modern prescriptivist meme.
https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/25/96439 https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/25/96439
- spottedmarley 3mo agoinstitutional misuse is still misuse it only matters if you want to take the world 'literally' literally
- krapp 3mo agoNo it isn't. Again, this is just how language works, the meaning of a word is what people decide it is. And if people have been using a word a certain way for several centuries, then that's how it's used. End of story.
- spottedmarley 3mo agoAnd its a lovely story. Who told it to you?
- krapp 3mo agoWho told what to me? If you're trying to claim that subjectivity doesn't exist in linguistics I suggest you pick up a book or talk to an actual human. Consult a dictionary. I don't know how to fix whatever you have.
- spottedmarley 3mo agoThis is really very fascinating. I had no idea the public school system had failed so badly. Vocabulary must have been dropped to make room for more social training. You're doing great, though. A shining example!