August 7, 2004

Why do people insist on using the word "literally" incorrectly?

I was flipping through the channels, and an info-mercial was on one - I managed to catch this lady saying: This will literally take years off your skin.

Hmmm, so some no-name lady has perfected a means to break the laws of physics as we know them?

Why is this such a hard concept for people?

Figuratively: It will take years off your skin. Translation: You will look younger.

Literally: It will take years off your skin. Translation: Time itself will be reversed a number of years.

One of my favorites - it will literally blow you away.

Posted by haglund at August 7, 2004 1:12 PM