this post was submitted on 08 Dec 2025
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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.