You can't "lock" something that doesn't exist.

[Nestama]

Context is key. Language is descriptive, not prescriptive. That's why one of the dictionary definitions of "literally" is literally the opposite of the primary definition, and this thread is literally going to make me shoot myself.

I think the word you're looking for is figuratively.

[NessaWyvern]

I think the word you're looking for is figuratively.

People kept using literally wrong, so much so that it gained the secondary definition, which is what he was talking about. Now literally sometimes has the same usage as figuratively, I think it's dumb, but it is what it is.

[SpiritMuse]

People kept using literally wrong, so much so that it gained the secondary definition, which is what he was talking about. Now literally sometimes has the same usage as figuratively, I think it's dumb, but it is what it is.

Whoever came up with that definition was wrong. I don't think there is a single instance where you could replace the word "literally" with "figuratively" and have it make sense. I *figuratively* can't think of anything where it would actually have the same effect instead of just looking ridiculous, seeing as the word "literally" in these cases doesn't actually mean "figuratively", but is in fact used as an interjection meant to emphasise a point.

[BillyKaplan]

But they aren't incomplete, we're getting exactly what they advertised and nothing less.

That's debatable, given they were very coy about whether or not we'd be getting male Viera until a time where most people who preordered already used their bonus items and couldn't get a refund if they bought it directly from SE's store.
I'm not saying those people had no blame in the matter and should've probably waited with preorders until after all information was out. That's an entirely different debate. But as far as what SE advertised they intentionally withheld information and fed on hype, misplaced or otherwise.

Whoever came up with that definition was wrong. I don't think there is a single instance where you could replace the word "literally" with "figuratively" and have it make sense.

It's only being replaced in one direction and wasn't it Shakespeare?

[Iscah]

Whoever came up with that definition was wrong. I don't think there is a single instance where you could replace the word "literally" with "figuratively" and have it make sense. I *figuratively* can't think of anything where it would actually have the same effect instead of just looking ridiculous, seeing as the word "literally" in these cases doesn't actually mean "figuratively", but is in fact used as an interjection meant to emphasise a point.

It's certainly wrong, but unfortunately that that doesn't stop people from using it wrongly.

It's not so much that they say "literally" where the word "figuratively" should be used in a sentence, but that they use it as an 'emphasis word' for something that isn't literal at all.

eg. After a busy day at work, they might say "I had to deal with literally thousands of customers today", when actually it might have been a hundred or so.


I remember one of my teachers used it (literally!) all the time, and it grated on my nerves so much. D:

[Chalbee]

Why would you shoot yourself over something so trivial?

I think the word you're looking for is figuratively.

Like I said, context is key

[Joven]

Like I said, context is key

How does that dispute my question? Even if you had just said "reading this thread makes me want to shoot myself" without the need to over exaggerate by adding "literally" the question still remains "why would you shoot yourself over something so trivial?"