Words you dislike? Or really like?

[OldPhiKap]

^^^ I know what misused word literally drives Jim up the wall.

[jimsumner]

^^^ I know what misused word literally drives Jim up the wall.

"When she told me, she and Brad were breaking up, my head literally exploded."

I heard this at a check-out line not too long ago.

Sounds messy.

I just thought it. Didn't say it.

[freshmanjs]

"When she told me, she and Brad were breaking up, my head literally exploded."

I heard this at a check-out line not too long ago.

Sounds messy.

I just thought it. Didn't say it.

How do you guys feel about the fact that many dictionaries consider this acceptable use now? Example from Merriam-Webster:

2 : in effect : virtually —used in an exaggerated way to emphasize a statement or description that is not literally true or possible
will literally turn the world upside down to combat cruelty or injustice —Norman Cousins

[OldPhiKap]

I just thought it. Didn't say it.

That twelve step program is showing good results!

[jimsumner]

How do you guys feel about the fact that many dictionaries consider this acceptable use now? Example from Merriam-Webster:

I think Merriam and Webster should be taken out back, behind the woodshed and beaten to a pulp.

Figuratively.

Or literally.

[OldPhiKap]

I think Merriam and Webster should be taken out back, behind the woodshed and beaten to a pulp.

Figuratively.

Or literally.

“Stick that in your Funk & Wagnalls”

(Yes, I’m showing my age)

[devildeac]

zaftig

Sorry, my error:

https://www.drinkzaftig.com/

[Indoor66]

I think Merriam and Webster should be taken out back, behind the woodshed and beaten to a pulp.

Figuratively.

Or literally.

Or both?

[dudog84]

Since we seem to be allowing phrases, in addition to words, let me throw one into the mix.

We all know what this means in a sports context and I suspect I've used this one before.

But how can a sports team "control its fate?" By definition, fate is something one cannot control. It is destined to happen. The Greek fates are doing all the work, after all, cutting threads and such. Might as well roll with it.

"Control your destiny" might be the same thing.

Is this an oxymoron? Cognitive dissonance? Is "Duke controls its outcome" better?

I always like it when Duke controls its destiny. But, I still cringe whenever I hear it.

Maybe, that's cognitive dissonance.

What say ye?

And to Acymetric's post, 'could care less" drives me to at least consider homicide.

Figuratively, of course.

Seems both arrogant and ignorant at the same time.

I agree. Arrogance or ignorance is bad enough on their own, but combined they are a toxic stew. Not that we see any of that nowadays.

[devildeac]

lugubrious

[devildeac]

feckless

[Tripping William]

Supple

[rsvman]

intrepid

ineptitude

[Tripping William]

Antidisestablishmentarianism

[Tripping William]

A favorite: Poutine

[rsvman]

A favorite: Poutine

For some reason that word makes me laugh.

[Reilly]

salted caramel ... like the food itself only an OK amount, but the name has a lovely combination of rhythm and sound ...

[Reilly]

Supple

... Poutine

Seems this thread might be headed to dangerous territory ...

[OldPhiKap]

Poutine is more of an experience than a word.

[IrishDevil]

salted caramel ... like the food itself only an OK amount, but the name has a lovely combination of rhythm and sound ...

That might depend on whether that’s care-uh-mel or car-mel...