So, according to a recent change in the dictionary, literally now means both literally AND litterally the opposite of literally.

Article

According to the dictionary, “literally” now also means “figuratively”
Thanks in part to the overuse of "literally," Merriam-Webster says the word can now mean its exact opposite. Huh?

But people increasingly use “literally” to give extreme emphasis to a statement that cannot be true, as in: “My head literally exploded when I read Merriam-Webster, among others, is now sanctioning the use of literally to mean just the opposite.”

Agree, disagree? I don't care, I was in it for the lulz but it is a real thing.

EDIT: Incidently, if you want to watch the world burn because of this, go to this group post.

Comments

[hawthornbunny]

I heard that this is a recognised phenomenon in linguistics; that some words do reverse their meanings as the language evolves.

"I could care less" is another example.

[Leila Drake]

Kind of sad, actually. Oh well. I cannot say that I'm surprised.

[iisaw]

I'm fine with it. I will still silently[1] judge people who use literally to mean figuratively, though.

Reminds me of the old joke: "My girlfriend told me I didn't understand what irony was, which was ironic because I was sitting in my car at the time."

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[1] Probably out loud, too; particularly before I've had coffee in the morning.

[Winston]

This is literally incorrect and foolish because it's going to lead to much confusion. Literally.