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Has The Word “Literally” Lost All Of Its Meaning?

Jul 27, 2015

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Has The Word “Literally” Lost All Of Its Meaning?

One of the most overused words these days is the word “literally.” According to Merriam-Webster, “literally” is defined as, “in a literal sense or manner: actually.” For example: “I was literally so close to ordering that slice of cake, but I decided against it.”

Most teenage girls use “literally” in this sense:

“She is literally so annoying.”
“He is literally the hottest guy I have ever seen.” (AKA Channing Tatum in Magic Mike)
“It’s literally so annoying that I had to wait an hour to eat this morning.” (said by my best friend who refuses to be named… you know who you are.)
And my personal favorite: “I literally can’t even.”

“Literally” has become such an exaggeration that when someone does use it correctly, it’s void of all its real meaning. We are hesitant to believe the actuality of a story because we can’t help but wonder if they’re using “literally” correctly or to just to enhance their story. I want to be the kind of story teller whose listeners really absorb and believe everything I say. I want them to know that when I say "literally," I mean it in every sense of the word, not as an exaggeration that will take away from the legitimacy and rawness of my story.

I am the first person to admit that I incorrectly use the word “literally” more than I should. It has become second nature that I don’t even hear myself saying it half the time. I know that I need to be much more cautious and aware about how many times I say it because now that I’m a working girl, I need to remain professional and classy. And incorrectly dropping “literally” in every sentence is the exact opposite of that.

Also, saying it so repetitively can flat out get annoying. It’s one of those things that I can dish out, but I can’t take it myself. If I’m having a conversation with someone and they use the word “literally” almost as often as they use the word “like,” I get really annoyed and honestly, as mean as this may sound, I stop listening to them all together. I really don't want people to do that to me, so I am going to make a personal effort to lessen the amount of times that I use "literally" incorrectly or for exaggeration… Are you with me?

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Has The Word “Literally” Lost All Of Its Meaning?

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

27. When you get assigned the most incompetent group of people possible for a group project.

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