Yes, literally...
I hate it when people misuse the word "literally". It really is a pet hate of mine, meaning that I nurse it and enjoy its company. Whenever friends, family, journalists, celebrities or complete strangers let it slip inappropriately, I delight in getting upset about it.
There are two main things I'm a snob about. Firstly, the media's obsession with celebrity, and the public's habit of getting involved in that. Secondly, this whole "literally" thing; I'll get beaten up over one of them, one day, probably by my wife.
Example one, Using a cliche:
I: "It wasn't funny, but I literally laughed my head off!"
M: "No you didn't."
I: "Yeah, I don't know why."
M: "No, I mean you didn't
literally laugh your head off did you. Your head is still attached, isn't it?"
I: "Right, you're cruisin for a bruisin."
Example two, not using a cliche:
I: "I was walking along, and I fell into a hole in the road, I mean literally!"
M: "Oh, as opposed to figuratively falling into a hole in the road? I'm glad you clarified that. I might have thought you were using the common expression: a hole in the road."
I: "That's it, you're dead."
M: "Figuratively or literally? Ouch!"
And that's how to be a snob in one easy lesson.
