I have found a new source of really bad usage:  internet ads.

On the site for a camera dealer today I was greeted with:

“Our Santa Barbara store has moved to a new location!”  (This information was followed by the address.)

Maybe the guy who wrote it gets paid by the word.

The other day, I was watching ESPN.  I believe it was the college football show.  The sports pundits were discussing the new crop of tight ends.  As background, one guy was talking about the great John Mackey.

Here’s what he said:

“He evolutionized the position.”

Just think, had it been Fox Sports, someone may have gone with, “He creationized the position.”

A television commercial I saw yesterday reminded me of the current usage of the word “literally.”  I looked over my posts and realized I haven’t thoroughly addressed this topic.

Seems “literally” now also means its essential opposite – “figuratively.”

I don’t have to beat on this one.   It’s simply outrageous.  And lazy.  And, well, ignorant.  Demeaning to the language.

(I here also resist the urge to whack another irksome phrase:  “Such and such is the new such and such.”  Thanks a lot, “Orange is the New Black.”  Nice glomming.)

In any case, the commercial I’m referring to is for an airline.  It goes like this:

“Its a revelation — fewer seats.  Infinitely more room.”

Now, frankly, I don’t think the reduction in the number of seats on an airplane is much of a “revelation.”  Nor could it possibly result in infinitely more room.  However, the last place I want “infinitely more room” is in/on a plane.  I can’t help but visualize flying along after the removal of the top and sides of the fuselage.

But, I guess “infinitely is the new literally.”