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On Literally

Posted on 10/15/201110/15/2011 by Backpacking Dad

There is only one circumstance in which you ought to use “literally” to modify what you are saying: When what you are about to say is so often used only metaphorically, that you don’t wish anyone to assume you are speaking metaphorically.

e.g. “I was literally as high as a kite when I was up in that tree, trying to get my kite.”

In all other circumstances, if you literally mean what you are saying, go ahead and just say it.
e.g. “This is the best post I’ve ever read on any subject.”

Go ahead. Say it.

7 thoughts on “On Literally”

  1. Columbiarose says:
    10/15/2011 at 9:07 PM

    Really.

  2. Mr. Topp says:
    10/16/2011 at 2:44 PM

    Amen.

  3. Jess says:
    10/16/2011 at 3:30 PM

    Not a Parks & Recreation fan? Or just not a Chris Treager fan?

  4. karen says:
    10/16/2011 at 6:13 PM

    Literally every person under the age of 25 uses the word “literally” much too often. Literally.

  5. Annie P says:
    10/17/2011 at 10:08 PM

    Good to know because I literally use this word way too often. ;) Thanks!

  6. Kevin says:
    10/19/2011 at 11:40 AM

    litterally.

  7. Emsxiety says:
    10/23/2011 at 8:37 PM

    When I say I’m having a shitty day at work, I add the word literally if I am actually covered in said shit because I’m a nurses aide. Is that an acceptable use of the word?

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