Literally for Virtually or Figuratively
Another mass-misused word is “literally” when the writer or speaker means “virtually” (nearly, almost) or “figuratively” (a departure from a literal use of words; metaphorically). Follow the link in the previous sentence to see how these mass misuses that defy meaning and logic vex Merriam-Webster usage experts. They know they should banish these incoherent definitions, but the demoralized dictionary gatekeepers fatalistically admit that the barbarians have already intermarried with the correct, standard ones.
But is this a futile battle? Once the usages experts have given up, why should we mere English users carry on a futile campaign to use “literally” correctly? As one demoralized usage linguist never said, “That Trojan Horse has sailed.”
Still, I hope that, despite the countervailing momentum, if you literally don’t mean “literally,” then don’t use it.
Highlighting the ongoing “fig-lit” insanity, this stand-up comedian literally—I mean figuratively—turns the concept inside out for big laughs.