Literally

This news is literally the end of the true English language.

Dictionaries have changed the definition of ‘literally’ so that it is no longer literal. Traditionally, the definition of ‘literally’ stood as “exactly or factually.” However, due to the prevailing misuse of the word, the original definition has been slaughtered.

Google was the first to conform the English language to fit the mold of societal misuse, changing the definition of ‘literally’ to include the following: “Used to acknowledge that something is not literally true but is used for emphasis or to express strong feeling.” The Merriam-Webster and Cambridge dictionaries have both followed suit, altering their definitions of ‘literally’ to make the improper use of the word proper.

‘Literally’ is just one of the many English expressions that have been butchered by the overuse, misuse, and waste of seemingly ignorant English speakers. Yet, due to the prevalence of this trend, nearly anyone can find himself falling culprit to the misuse of ‘literally’.

“It’s a shame” VHS senior Ciarra Davison, says with dismay, “that the world really does revolve around the ignorance of society- instead of actually encouraging the learning and practicing the proper use of the term, dictionaries model definitions around society’s misuse.”

In this day and age, the English language is evolving faster than the click of a mouse. Once slang phrases such as “hashtag” and “tweet” now have dictionary definitions, but is this evolution of a classic language a positive or negative?

Words and phrases such as “like”, “actually”, “literally” are ingrained into our minds as linguistically correct, but truly, the majority of these words are either unnecessary, overused, misused, or a combination of them all.

Some people, such as VHS senior Nick Gamarro, are unfazed by the fact that the definition was altered. “I don’t care, it’s not a big deal” Nick states flatly. While some people take personal offense to the changing of the definition of “literally,” others don’t seem to care at all.

“That’s ridiculous… that’s just ridiculous” VHS history teacher Chris Tamburro, one of those who find interest in the subject, said in disgust upon hearing the news of the changed definition. “People should learn how to conform to grammar standards instead of grammar conforming to people.”

Mainstream use (or misuse) of the English language is, in a sense, dumbing us down, conforming the language to appease those who literally- I mean, figuratively- couldn’t care less about proper use of the English language.