We were driving down the M25 when we came round to a discussion of use of the word "literally". 'We' were my ex-husband Robert, my son James and me (plus Sooty the family dog). We were all going to the funeral of Robert`s dad - a sad occasion though a great relief from suffering. We were passing the time it takes to get down to Dymchurch in Kent with chat on things that could make us laugh.
Anyhow, James and his dad make a collection of the number of times that the word "literally" gets used incorrectly in the media, particularly on radio. He gave me three peachy examples which had me falling about and I now relate them to you (with James`s permission) Read on>>>
"The light is low on the horizon at this time of year so my eyes are literally blinded when filming!". The next,"Shane Warne has just taken that wicket and his tail is up, literally!" And finally a lady admirer to David Beckham "I have just been literally dying to meet you!" James has a few more up his sleeve which I`ll share with you when I see him on Saturday.
No prizes for thinking that 'literally' is shifting it`s meaning to 'really'. The word 'nice' for the past 500 years meant finicky, fastidious, fussy. It was only in the last 200 years or so it acquired the anodyne meaning it has today. Words change, meanings change, the culture that creates the words changes.
I love words. They have such power and influence on mood and thinking. Some even believe we can`t think before learning speech. Using words to affirm good things creates magic. And since we have been blessed with such a powerful way of influencing ourselves and others, we better be aware of how we use them. How will you use your words tomorrow?
Really, people use some words and not even think what does it mean..
Posted by: writer jobs | March 31, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Oh so true! Words are magical and transform people's lives. They are to be used with care.
Posted by: Sarah McCloughry | March 31, 2011 at 12:35 PM