The Word We’re All Overusing

What is a word you feel that too many people use?

Some words start out fresh and meaningful—then get thrown around so often they lose all their magic. For me, that word is “literally.”

Once upon a time, “literally” meant actually true in a factual, physical sense. Now, it’s used to emphasize just about anything, whether it’s real or wildly exaggerated.

“I was literally dying of laughter.”
“That was literally the best coffee ever.”

No, you weren’t dying. And while the coffee may have been great, unless it cured all your life’s problems in one sip, it probably wasn’t literally the best in the world.

It’s not that the word itself is bad—it’s just become a linguistic crutch. A filler to make our stories feel bigger, bolder, and more dramatic. But sometimes, less is more. Swapping “literally” for a more precise word makes sentences sharper and gives them back their authenticity.

So maybe the next time you feel tempted to use “literally,” pause for a second. Is it truly literal? Or is there a more creative, honest way to say it? Your sentences—and your readers—will thank you.