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.”