So why do people only get up in arms over literally? Because it’s the one they lived through? Here’s a bunch of words I’m sure you’re mostly, if not entirely fine with the dictionary listing their “new”, opposite meaning, and probably use them the new way too. That’s just off hand. There will be more if you google it.
You can’t force the entire world to strictly follow a book on how words should be used. People are going to talk how they like. You can document how people are using words. That’s what makes sense to do.
Yes but not widely, and the point is, most people don’t even know awful had a different definition. Argue all you want but the fact there’s any controversy over literally shows we’re living through the main transition of it having one main definition to two.
So why do people only get up in arms over literally? Because it’s the one they lived through? Here’s a bunch of words I’m sure you’re mostly, if not entirely fine with the dictionary listing their “new”, opposite meaning, and probably use them the new way too. That’s just off hand. There will be more if you google it.
You can’t force the entire world to strictly follow a book on how words should be used. People are going to talk how they like. You can document how people are using words. That’s what makes sense to do.
Awful
Original: Full of awe or inspiring reverence.
Now: Very bad or unpleasant.
Terrific
Original: Causing terror or fear.
Now: Excellent or great.
Egregious
Original: Remarkably good or distinguished.
Now: Shockingly bad.
Disinterested
Original: Unbiased, impartial.
Now: Uninterested, not caring.
Nonplussed
Original: Bewildered, perplexed.
Now: Unfazed or unimpressed.
They didn’t live through it. It has been used an an exaggeration for more than a century.
Yes but not widely, and the point is, most people don’t even know awful had a different definition. Argue all you want but the fact there’s any controversy over literally shows we’re living through the main transition of it having one main definition to two.
Good point. I am slightly salty about flammable and inflammable though.
That one can be a dangerous misunderstanding.