this post was submitted on 08 Dec 2025
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And then the speakers from insular communities get told to fuck off with their special definitions, or they're so persistent that the new definition catches on. Either way, problem solved.
The word "literally" still serves its old purpose just fine, along with the new one.
My issue with "literally" is that it's become an actual part of the dictionary definition rather than being recognized as merely a hyperbolic use of the word.
Dictionaries are books of history, not law.
Language pedantry is a branch of theology.
Those two sentences are not mutually exclusive.
But every word can be used hyperbolically.
no, it can't. hyperbole means to exaggerate, to a great degree. descriptors like "round" or "soft" can't be hyperbolic.
Calling fat people round is hyperbole isn't it?
Or calling a bald guy "Curly"
It really depends on how they are built. I have deffo seen some rounder obese people.
no, it's either true or false, but even a false usage isn't hyperbolic, it's just wrong
Dictionaries can also note hyperbolic (and other "deformed") uses of words, especially when commonplace, I see no problem with that. You have some odd expectations from dictionaries.
A dictionary is a record.
Language influences the dictionary, the dictionary doesn't influence language.
Did that literally happen?
Or has actual fallen foul of another meaning change too now?
It's a definition in Merriam-Webster as of several years ago.