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We need a word for "literally" that doesn't also mean "not literally"
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this post was submitted on 09 May 2026
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Showerthoughts
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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. The most popular seem to be lighthearted clever little truths, hidden in daily life.
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"Literally" used as an intensifier dates back to the 1700s, but the prescriptivist controversy about it is very recent. People can understand that a word can have different meanings and have different uses. Except for prescriptivists, apparently.
That's the dopey example that they always use - Shakespeare made up all sorts of words - except it's clearly wrong, and you aren't Shakespeare, dummy.
Many words have immutable definitions, and they cannot be changed, period. UP cannot never mean DOWN no matter how many stupid people use it incorrectly. A DOG isn't a CAT, no matter how many stupid people can't tell the difference. The sky is Blue, even if you determine that you think it's Pink, and now Pink refers to all things Blue.
If people use an immutable word wrong, we shouldn't change the definition, we should tell the people using it wrong that they are wrong, and to stop being stupid.
We don't just agree to be as stupid as they are. That's what's wrong with the world. It's easier to go along with the stupid people, than expect them to get smarter. Or just tell them to shut the fuck up.