Overused and Overheard

What Is a Word You Feel That Too Many People Use?

There’s a word that has become the linguistic equivalent of a junk drawer: messy, full of things that don’t belong, and rarely opened with intention. For me, that word is literally.

It used to be a word of certainty. It meant “without exaggeration,” a factual statement of reality. Now, it’s used to do the exact opposite.

• “I literally can’t even right now.”
• “That joke was literally the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”
• “I’m literally dying of laughter.”

The word’s overuse has turned it into a verbal crutch. It’s a filler word used for dramatic effect, robbing it of its original power. When you say you’re “literally starving” while waiting for a pizza, what happens when you’re actually stuck on a desert island? The word has lost its meaning.

By being more intentional with our language, we can give our words more power. Instead of reaching for the easy, overused word, we can choose one that is specific and meaningful.

Here are a few ways to reclaim our language and ditch the crutch:

• Instead of “literally dying of laughter,” try “I was howling with laughter.”
• Instead of “literally the worst thing ever,” try “That was absolutely the worst.”
• Instead of “I literally can’t even,” try “I’m speechless” or “I’m at a loss for words.”

When we choose our words with care, we communicate with clarity and confidence. The next time you find yourself about to say literally, stop and think: is there a better, more descriptive word I could use instead?