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.
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.
“widely accepted”
Yeah, no. People who use it incorrectly simply don’t understand language or meaning. Just because there’s a lot of people who misuse the word doesn’t mean it’s widely accepted. A lot of people believe in a god, doesn’t make it true.
Thats not how language works
Yes it is. Language and meaning don’t simply change in 10-20 years unless forced upon (such as a conqueror forcing culture). Neologisms are a thing, and that’s fine (though I would argue “bling” is a garbage word :) ), but using “literally” to mean “not literally” is redefining the whole purpose of the word in such a short context of time simply because of ignorance. Therefore, I assert what I argued already – it’s not widely accepted – just widely misused.
As the kids say: fam this is dumb af.
Languages change all the time, kids practically make it their duty to introduce new words. “Bad” words become fine, others become real curse words you can’t say without being branded a pos.
Also literally has had the double meaning since 1700
The misuse of language is literally one of the primary ways language evolves