Just A Thought

I can sometimes ignore something that irritates me once; but, if I happens again, I gotta say something.

I'm not perfect, but I am a language purist. I usually strive for exactitude when it comes to choosing the words I use. As such, it usually frustrates Melissa, particularly when it comes to answering questions. I tend to answer the question that is asked, not the question that should be understood.

So, if the question is "Do you know what time it is?", my answer will be "Yes" more often than "Yes, it's 2:00".

What has been bugging me lately is the misuse of the word "literally".

Over the weekend, a friend asked my thoughts about Tom DeLay's indictment. I answered that what he is accused of doing probably won't reach the threshold of a guilty verdict. However, his puppetry that was redistricting and funding mechanisms that are bribes at worst and abhorrent at best make me ashamed to share the same political affiliation.

So, my friend, who apparently is no fan himself, said, referring to his nickname, "The guy is literally a hammer."

Then today in the lunchroom a co-worker mentioned a new robe she just bought. This is what I'm accustomed to as I work with all females. Anyway, she said, "It literally feels like you're wrapped in a cloud."

Cooler heads prevailed both times and I was able to refrain from saying anything that I might regret later. Who knows? Maybe the former Majority Leader does drive nails with his forehead. And maybe, just maybe, my co-worker has been enveloped in a cloud before.

But, please, let's all use the word carefully or else I will literally puke my guts out.