this post was submitted on 12 May 2025
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[–] Hideakikarate@sh.itjust.works 15 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

"Literally" no longer means just "literally", but also "figuratively". Otherwise known as the opposite of the original definition.

[–] Semjaza@lemmynsfw.com 5 points 1 month ago

Originally, "literally" was never a word but through thousands of years of evolution and adaption it came into being, miraculously, as the "literally" we all knew and loved between the time of our birth and 2006.

When "literally" quite literally evolved a new meaning in the 1800s used for emphasis to replace the empty definition slot left by the dropping of the the 15th century meaning of "in regards of letters or writing", many of Literally's fans jumped ship.

These days Literally wanders from town to town, playing gig off of the commonly used meaning with the salt of the earth types, while from the ivory towers comes but spit and scorn.

But you can help, for as little as 2.50₩ a month you can help finance Literally's return tour as being used to mean "with or regards to letters or words" and help elevate this star from hard times of having to rely on the plebians for usage. After all, is not a frequency band of 5, but exclusive use by academics not more worthy than band 6 used by all? If you agree, your views, snobbery, and financing can make all the difference.
Help a word stick to it's archaic meanings today. Because if the world isn't like it was when you were 15, is it really worth living in?