Comedians and political pundits in the United States have been making fun of Texas Governor Rick Perry because of his use of the word literally. In a recent presidential debate, Perry said Iran would invade Iraq "literally at the speed of light."
Literally means "actually" or "in a literal manner." Iran cannot actually (literally) invade Iraq at the speed of light. Perry's use was incorrect.
But where did he learn it? I wondered how the governor could make such an unfortunate, much mocked error. My curiosity led me to to my bookshelf.
It turns out there is plenty of precedent for using literally figuratively, as Perry did. The governor is not alone.
My reference books do not recommend Perry's use, but they report similar examples:
Fowler's Modern English Usage reports this use way back in 1863: "I literally coined money."
Garner's Modern American Usage offers examples from the 1980s and 1990s, including "Life literally has been turned upside down."
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary gives the definition "in effect, virtually," with the example "will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice."
The American Heritage College Dictionary says in its definition "used as an intensive before a figurative expression." In its usage note, the dictionary says that although such use of literally may be "infelicitous, it cannot be said to be incorrect."
My conclusion: Although Perry's use of literally is out of favor, it is not as foolish as it seemed.
Then when should literally be used? The word fits when you want to reassure your reader or your audience that you mean what you say. You are not exaggerating or using language loosely.
Here are correct examples:
He continued typing for literally another minute while I sat there. (Literally indicates an actual minute, not just a few seconds.)
I literally cried. (Literally indicates real tears.)
The official waved us through, and we literally ran onto the airplane. (We actually ran.)
When you translate Schadenfreude literally, it is "harm-joy." (The parts of the word do mean "harm" and "joy.")
Sometimes people use literally in a literary way, which is also correct:
The roller-coaster teen years began literally at Busch Gardens, where we spent Eva’s 13th birthday riding the Griffon, “the world’s tallest, floorless dive coaster.” (From our holiday letter)
When it comes to success, the sky's the limit–literally and figuratively. (From the website of a satellite company)
Your audience may not speak your language literally or figuratively. (From an article on business writing)
But often the word literally can be cut from business messages:
The thank-you note is literally your last chance to impress a potential employer.
He literally turns down more business than he accepts.
Was Rick Perry literally wrong?
What would you add to this discussion about literally? I welcome your comments, but please do not get into politics. As you know, this is the Business Writing blog.
Lynn
Syntax Training