|
|
|
|
|
by jfk13
3228 days ago
|
|
Indeed it has; even the OED recognises this sense: "c. colloq. Used to indicate that some (frequently conventional) metaphorical or hyperbolical expression is to be taken in the strongest admissible sense: ‘virtually, as good as’; (also) ‘completely, utterly, absolutely’. Now one of the most common uses, although often considered irregular in standard English since it reverses the original sense of literally (‘not figuratively or metaphorically’)." (http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/109061) The earliest example given, incidentally, is from way back in 1769. |
|