We passed hornets a long time ago...

The mad mob does not ask how it could be better, only that it be different. And when it then becomes worse, it must change again. Thus they get bees for flies, and at last hornets for bees.

Martin Luther -- Whether Soldiers Can Also Be in a State of Grace (1526)

Word Nerd: Literally

literally adv. 1. in the literal or strict sense. 2. in a literal manner; word for word. 3. actually. 4. in effect; in substance; virtually. --Usage Since the early 20th century, "literally" has been widely used as an intensifier meaning "in effect, virtually": The senator was literally buried alive in the primaries This use, common in many styles of speech and writing, is often criticized for being the opposite of the original meaning of "literal." In such cases, nothing is lost by omitting "literally."

--Random House Webster's College Dictionary



I literally think that "literally" is one of the most literally overused words in the English language. Literally. Never mind misused. Which it also literally is, despite the literal inclusion of the literally wrong definition in a literal dictionary (on literal paper literally bound and literally everything). Common usage is not necessarily proper use.

One of the reasons "literally" is overused is that it's almost never necessary. There is no difference between entering a room and literally entering a room. "Literally" is word I can live without, and if you try, you might find that you can live without it too. Literally.