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We need a word for "literally" that doesn't also mean "not literally" (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 1 week ago by pruwybn@discuss.tchncs.de to c/showerthoughts@lemmy.world
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Since it's widely accepted that the word "literally" can be used to add emphasis, we need another word that can be used when you want to make it clear that you really mean "literally" in the original sense.

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[-] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.cafe 1 points 5 days ago

Well, sure, I'd want to see the exact context of the use. It would be one thing if Twain was using it that way himself, it would be another if he was putting it into a character's mouth, which would add a slight nuance.

A modern example would be the guy in Parks & Rec who used "Lit'rally" often, and with emphasis, in situations that were clearly NOT Literal. I wouldn't assume that the writer endorses the concept.

[-] SaraTonin@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

Twain:

And when the middle of the afternoon came, from being a poor poverty-stricken boy in the morning, Tom was literally rolling in wealth.

Alcott:

The land literally flowed with milk and honey on such occasions,

Dickens:

‘Lift him out,’ said Squeers, after he had literally feasted his eyes, in silence, upon the culprit

And so on

[-] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.cafe 1 points 5 days ago

Wow, you pulled those out, impressive! I really mean it!

I'm a big Mark Twain fan, and all it proves is that our idols can be wrong, LOL. I'm dying on this hill.

[-] SaraTonin@lemmy.world 1 points 5 days ago

Wait ‘till i make the argument that “irregardless” is fine, actually..,

this post was submitted on 09 May 2026
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