Literally True

A lovely look at the meaning and uses of the term 'literally' in the Language Log.  As usual, the LL is not pedantic as you might think, looking at language as a dynamic and changing force.   There is rarely a clear right and wrong.  The availability of many language use databases makes this much easier now.  While formally the term 'literally' means word-for-word and 'not metaphorical', it is used today by most people to signal emphasis. Also fun, and increasingly interesting, the LL looks at what terms show up in your advertising column  when you use a term like 'literally' often.   The semantic net that leads to the results is revealing but also mystifying.