From the Merriam Webster online dictionary:

Definition of LITERALLY

  1. in a literal sense or manner : actually. took the remark literally, was literally insane
  2. in effect : virtually. will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice - Norman Cousins

When it comes to language, I’m not a purist. Languages evolve. However, adding the second definition of literally into the dictionary is about as ridiculous as one can get. Now when someone uses the word literally, you can’t tell if (s)he means it literally, or literally.

What’s next—-claiming moot means ‘irrelevant’?