Lake Superior State University produces an annual list that suggests words that should be banished from use.
I have a suggestion and the word is “literally”.
This word is used to describe an event—particularly used with a figure of speech to denote that the event was not a figure of speech.
I heard this occur repeatedly while watching coverage of the Japan disaster:
“The cars were tossed literally in the sea.”
“The house was literally covered in mud.”
“The water was literally over the bridge.”
and on and on…
Since, hearing this use—I have become annoyed at it’s repeated use. Why don’t we just say it without the word “literally?”
Do you actually think you need to clarify the meaning?
“The cars were tossed in the sea.”
“The house was covered in mud.”
“The water was over the bridge.”
I am so literally over that word.