Word Nazi fail.
I’ve noticed that a favorite target of “word nazis” these days is the use of ‘literally’ to describe figurative phrases, as in: “I am so hungry that I’m literally starving to death.” Assuming the speaker here isn’t actually dying from starvation, the statement seems to show a complete lack of understanding of the literal/figurative distinction.
But, as per usual, the word nazis are the ones displaying the misunderstanding. One of the beautiful things about language is its fluidity and the creative complexity of meaning. By using the word ‘literally’ in a figurative sense, the speaker is highlighting the acuteness of the hyperbole. It’s actually a perfect example of the playfulness of language and meaning; a device that has obviously proven effective in communication, if its overuse is any indication. (In other words, word nazis fail.)
It just goes to show that even the word ‘literal’ is a conceptual metaphor.