this post was submitted on 23 Apr 2025
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I wonder, why is 'literally' so special?
Someone steps out into unexpectedly cold weather and says, "It's freezing out here." But it's not below freezing.
Someone that hasn't eaten all day takes a bite and says, "I was starving, this is the best burger I've ever tasted!" They weren't really starving, and they probably didn't just rank every burger they've eaten.
We exaggerate and/or use words incorrectly for the effect so often, people are constantly using words "incorrectly" but then they say, "I'm literally dead right now." and dictionaries change their definitions and people point out semantics. It's like literally is figuratively magic.
I think "literally" should be an exception because it's the only word to clarify when we're not speaking figuratively. It's like making your safe word "fuck me harder".
It’s almost like language is radically democratic and words only mean what we largely agree they mean, with fluctuating cases based on particular contexts.
Yeah, somehow "literally" is the only word in a figure of speech that cannot be part of the figure at all! They are so smart for pointing that out
"Freezing" is an exaggeration of "cold", just like "starving" is an exaggeration of "hungry". It's "a lot of X".
"Literally" is not an exaggeration, it's the opposite of "figuratively". It's "-X".
Those are two entirely different things. But of course inflammable means flammable.
Correct, it's an "intensifier"
And "terrific" and "awesome" are exaggerations of "scary".
Yes. Am I meant to add anything here?
No, it's just another example that words' usages and meanings can change a lot, even flip, over time. A new usage can literally spread like a ~~~~virus~~~~ meme and become the meaning - at least to all intensive porpoises.
I know, it's completely normal. Doesn't mean I have to like a particular usage.
Incorrect.
Freezing
"Freezing is a phase transition in which a liquid turns into a solid when its temperature is lowered below its freezing point."
Starvation
"Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, below the level needed to maintain an organism's life."
You are literally wrong, and I will accept a 1-page apology written in MLA format before the end of this week.
I honestly do not see the contradiction. "Very cold" -> liquid turns to solid. "Very hungry" -> severe deficiency.
Then how do you explain iron, which freezes below 2,800 Fahrenheit, hm? 2,800 Fahrenheit is hot.
"Very" and "a lot" are subjective.
You cannot be "freezing" unless you are a bloodsicle. This follows from the exact definition of the word. Words have meanings, you know. If people can just say whatever they want, then what is the point of communication?
What part of that definition implies "bloodsicle"?
Not to mention how is that an answer to what I said?
blood is liquid
Thank you for being so very elaborate, that cleared everything up. (It didn't.)