0 upvotes, 2 direct replies (showing 2)
View submission: The history of the /r/xkcd kerfuffle.
Interesting. Is it online? I'd like to read how they phrased the new definition.
Comment by SILENTSAM69 at 28/02/2014 at 03:49 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Hmm, not sure. I need to find out which dictionary it was.
Comment by HannasAnarion at 30/05/2014 at 02:01 UTC
1 upvotes, 1 direct replies
It's not a new dictionary entry, and it's not a new use of the word. It's in the OED as
Used to indicate that some (freq. conventional) metaphorical or hyperbolical expression is to be taken in the strongest admissible sense: ‘virtually, as good as’; (also) ‘completely, utterly, absolutely’.
And the first reference is from 1769:
1769 F. Brooke Hist. Emily Montague IV. ccxvii. 83 He is a fortunate man to be introduced to such a party of fine women at his arrival; it is literally to feed among the lilies.
Hell, it's used in one of the greatest American books ever written
1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer ii. 20 And when the middle of the afternoon came, from being a poor poverty-stricken boy in the morning, Tom was literally rolling in wealth.
So if we could all stop being prescriptivist pedants, that would be great.
Also, Any news on Randall's sweet, sweet revenge? Did we miss it?