Literally…
I collect misuses of the word “literally.” People quite often use it to mean “figuratively” which is actually the opposite of the meaning of “literally.” However, some would say that this is a legitimate use of the word.
Dictionary.com has this usage note:
“Since the early 20th century, ‘literally’ has been widely used as an intensifier meaning “in effect, virtually,” a sense that contradicts the earlier meaning “actually, without exaggeration”:
The senator was literally buried alive in the Iowa primaries.
The parties were literally trading horses in an effort to reach a compromise.
The use is often criticized; nevertheless, it appears in all but the most carefully edited writing. Although this use of ‘literally’ irritates some, it probably neither distorts nor enhances the intended meaning of the sentences in which it occurs.” [emphasis mine]
Anyway, I think these quotes are ignorant mistakes, not alternate uses.
“This guy literally came unglued.” - Dr. Dolph, Abnormal Psychology class, circa ‘02
“They will literally beat a path to your door.” - on TV
“Those who desire to be wealthy…will literally drown in destruction if they are not careful.” - Pastor S. P., “A Guide to the Good Life”
“The colors used quite literally pop out of the page.” - Patrick McNeil (http://www.designmeltdown.com/chapters/UltraPop/)
“God is going to literally turn us inside out through our community groups.” - Pastor S. P., 7.30.06
“Cedarville was an incredible experience for me - a literal fork in the road of my life.” - Jennifer Yaggi Bates, “One Day at a Time” in “Inspire” Alumni Magazine Summer 2006
“What happened to Hebrew [language]? They literally resurrected it from the dead.” - Jim Wheatly, lecture in Language and Society, 8.7.08
"This place is literally at the gates of hell!" - unidentified lady sharing a testimony in church
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