“New dictionary definition of ‘literally’ will literally make your head explode”

Make your head explode just like ScannersFrom the Syracuse Post-Standard, in an article literally titled “New dictionary definition of ‘literally’ will literally make your head explode“:

Back in March, The Week pointed out that Merriam-Webster had recently added a second usage of the word “literally” to mean the same as “virtually,” but as hyperbole for emphasis. The Oxford English Dictionary has also included the informal definition, “used for emphasis while not being literally true,” since 2011.

But while traditionalists are complaining about the demise of English, many are quick to say that language evolves over time and dictionaries reflect those changes.

“Our job is to describe the language people are using,” OED senior editor Fiona McPherson said, according to the Daily Mail. “The only reason this sense is included is because people are using it the wrong way.”

Your rite! My head did literally explode!

Reference: http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/08/literally_definition_dictionary_wrong_english_languageyour_head_explode.html

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