Literally ( An open letter to the Grammar Police)

Dear Grammar Police, 

                First off, I’d like to say that I think you do a fantastic job of keeping the number of, quite frankly, stupid grammar mistakes at bay and are making the world a more coherent place one person at a time. Seriously, because of you guys I think no one is ever going to make the mistake of using “your” instead of “you’re” ever again, for fear of being reprimanded and publicly shamed. Kudos on that!

                However, of late, I've been noticing a new trend in your corrections, grammar police – the use of the word literally. Now, I fully understand that people who post statuses about how they’re “literally dying” or how they “literally can’t even” are annoying – I think so too. But I must wonder if this use is less of a grammar mistake and more the eventual manifestation of literary hyperbole finally entering mainstream cyber-language. Now before you roll your eyes just hear me out.

               

                You see, I think that when someone says they’re “literally dying”, they obviously don’t mean they’re actually dying – just that their emotions are so strong that they feel as if they might keel over and die. If I’m right then what we’re dealing with here is not a grammar issue at all. What we’re dealing with, dear grammar police, is the use of a hyperbole.

                In case you were wondering, a literary hyperbole is a device used by writers and poets to express strong emotions with the help of vast exaggeration. For example if someone were to say “Oh god! This bag weighs a ton!”, we know that the bag obviously doesn't weigh a ton but we understand the underlying meaning - the bag is heavy and you should probably give that person a hand. The person was fully aware that the bag didn't weigh a ton but said it anyway, in order to efficiently convey his emotions in the most articulate way possible. Similarly, that person you think is annoying for overusing the word “literally” is just trying to properly express their emotions. And if they feel like “they can’t even” --- who are we to judge?

                Literary devices like the hyperbole and symbolism have been used by authors probably since the very first book was written. Shakespeare was a huge fan of hyperboles. He once wrote “This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongue…” I don’t think anyone called Shakespeare out because the actor’s tongue didn't blister then and there. It’s almost comforting to see devices once used only by the likes of Shakespeare and Byron in everyday conversations – however annoying it may be. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the appearance of the subconscious use of literary devices such as this is in fact a sign of progress (yes really) – both of the English language as well as of the human mind.

                After reading this it is my hope that the next time you see someone on Twitter or Facebook, or wherever who is #literallydying, don’t jump down their throat. Instead, take a second to marvel at how our language has progressed. By using the same English as that of people centuries ago, we're ensuring that real English is not forgotten. And in a world of LOLs and OMGs, I think it is a triumph (however small.) Who knows....this trend could be the dawn of a new era filled with better and more relatable stories. So be nice to that annoying person - they might be the next big thing in literature!

Until next time,

Bianka