"Literally" Is the New "Extreme" -- Only Worse

There are seven or eight readers of this blog whom I know to be writers -- some professionals and some enthusiastic hobbyists. I apologize in advance if this post turns out to be akin to hearing a snippet of a catchy jingle. It might stick in your brain like a popcorn husk between your teeth. No matter how much you poke and prod at it with your tongue, it's not going anywhere. A more clever writer would be able to offer a clever analogy for "mental floss," but that writer isn't me.

The word "literally" has become the new "extreme." A few years ago everything from advertisements for exercise equipment to sporting events used the word "extreme." Extreme Abs! Extreme motocross! Extreme colon cleanser! Extreme skateboarding!

It became so prevalent that it not only lost it's luster, it became annoying. Finally the overuse of the word transcended into parody. The hilarious mock sporting competition MXC, or "Most Xtreme Challenge," knew that the show would only be named well by using the hip derivative of "Extreme" in the title. Self deprecation is the best form of deprecation.

The word "literally" is rapidly becoming the most overused word in everything from advertisements to serious journalism. But this is worse than the word "extreme," because at least "extreme" was being used correctly. It seems that recently I hear and read the word "literally" used everywhere, but incorrectly. To add insult to injury, the word is stated loudly and with emphasis. This technique backfires. Why would you emphasize that you're an idiot?

"Randi Goldklank literally exploded at police when they attempted to take her into custody!" The woman physically blew up? Wow. Better not let Al-Qaeda know how you managed to do that.

I'm sick to my stomach with the word "literally." But not literally.

UPDATE: I searched for similar observations on the 'Net, and it appears many others have beaten me to reaching this conclusion. For a high brow look at the misuse of the word "literally," I recommend you read Jesse Sheidlower's article for Slate in 2005.