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I have no problem with people using the word "decimate" loosely. It's the word "literally" that gets me. If you say, "I literally have to decimate the pool", th
by biotech 17y ago
I have no problem with people using the word "decimate" loosely. It's the word "literally" that gets me. If you say, "I literally have to decimate the pool", then it should be the literal definition of decimate you're talking about.
- eli 17y agoThe word "literally" literally means "word by word, letter by letter." So I assume that since you're such a stickler, you only use it to talk about transcribing the scripture... right? Or, put another way, get over yourself. Language evolves. And "literally" has been used in ways you would consider "wrong" for several hundred years now.
- PebblesRox 17y agoI wasn't using the word "literally" literally, but that's okay because I never said I was. I guess I'm a stickler because I think words work better when they have strong, precise meanings. Over time, these meanings tend to get watered down, and I think that's a shame.
- eli 17y agoThat was my point: you were using a watered down version of literally that, over time, came to be an agreed upon definition. That's just how it goes.
- PebblesRox 17y agoExactly, that's the irony. I wouldn't have pointed it out otherwise.