Skip to content

Literally' - I'm not having it; people can't go around…

“Literally' - I'm not having it; people can't go around saying 'literally.' Otherwise, what's literal? There's not another word for literally: if it isn't figurative or metaphorical, what is it? It's literal: there's no substitute.” quote by John Cooper Clarke
Download Open image
“Literally' - I'm not having it; people can't go around saying 'literally.' Otherwise, what's literal? There's not another word for literally: if it isn't figurative or metaphorical, what is it? It's literal: there's no substitute.”

John Cooper Clarke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The word “literally” is misused, blurring literal and figurative language, causing confusion.

In simple terms: People misuse “literally”.

Key Takeaway

Use words accurately.

Themes

language communication semantics

Mood

playful critical

Type

poetic observational

When to use this quote

  • social media
  • casual conversation
  • writing
  • teaching

Key Concepts

literal meaning figurative speech lexical drift

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we cling to slang?
  • How does misuse affect clarity?
A Different Perspective

Changing habits is hard.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Cooper Clarke

Explore all 106 John Cooper Clarke quotes

More Around quotes

Browse all 7,275 Around quotes