How do I use the word ‘LITERALLY’? | essential everyday phrase

‘Literally’ is such an interesting word. It has meanings which are often opposites! Let’s take a look…

#1 (adverb): the reality 

We use ‘literally’ when we want to say information is true / the reality. We often need to use ‘literally’ because the information is surprising. 

In Las Vegas I went to this really famous burger place. The burgers were literally 12 inches tall. I didn’t order one, but a few other people did. 
(This is surprising information and I want to make it clear that this is true.) 

Elena, you  have got to gain some weight. I can literally see your ribs through your shirt. 
(This is surprising information and I want to make it clear that this is true.) 

Literally millions of people took to the streets to march for climate change. 
(This is surprising information and I want to make it clear that this is true.) 

I went on a yoga retreat for six weeks and you were not allowed to eat or drink anything that had strong flavors or caffeine.  I mean literally anything. No coffee, no onions, no chilies etc. 
(This is surprising information and I want to make it clear that this is true.) 

#2 (adverb): exactly 

My mom’s Chinese name literally means ‘beauty’. 
(Her name in Chinese and the English word ‘beauty’ are the exact same things.) 

Idioms in English are not literal. For example, ‘kill two birds with one stone’ does not literally mean ‘take a stone and try to kill two birds with it’. It means to finish two things at the same time. 

I want to learn about ‘basically’

In recent years, ‘literally‘ has lost it’s true definition (the reality / exactly) in informal speech and is often used to exaggerate a situation. 

I had such a tough day at work. I literally worked my butt off. 
meaning: I worked very hard. 
reality: You still have your butt. 

That joke was so funny that I literally died laughing. 
meaning: It was a very funny joke and I laughed a lot. 
reality: You are still alive. 

I’m so hungry I could literally eat 50 pizzas.
meaning: I am very hungry.
reality: You couldn’t really eat 50 pizzas. 

Summary: 

The original definition and usage of ‘literally‘ means: exactly / the reality. 

The newer informal definition and usage of ‘literally‘ means: an exaggeration. 

Keep an ear out for the word ‘literally‘ in movies, on the news, in blogs etc. Think about the definition you hear. 

idiom: Keep and ear out means ‘listen for this’.

Don’t…literally…detach an ear from your head. 😉 

Thank you very much for reading!

Don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel, Instagram,  Facebook and Blog!

See you next time!

Arnel