topic Re: Literally in Suggestion Box

Literally

Marie Antoinette — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:01:09 GMT

I discovered QVC during the television writer's strike. Was that 2007? Since then most of the time I have it on in the background almost constantly. I love the products, love that it is live, love getting to know the hosts, love the fun and enjoy it all. Never have I wanted to turn the channel until this past week or so. Yes, I know this is trivial but it is irritating. Every host is suddenly using the word "literally" in every other sentence. I had to turn it off. I thought I would tell you, as others may have the same thought. Thank you.

Re: Literally

RoughDraft — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:07:38 GMT

"Let them eat cake"

Re: Literally

Kachina624 — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:14:04 GMT

@Marie Antoinette I wouldn't mind the use of the word if they'd just use it correctly. I seriously doubt handbags or lipsticks are "literally" flying out the door. These items typically don't have wings. They need to try substituting the word "actually" and see if it makes sense. They could say "virtually".

Re: Literally

santorini — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:14:23 GMT

I agree. They use it (incorrectly) way too much.

It seems that they, like most other companies, would have routine meetings with the hosts and that would provide the perfect opportunity to address some "complaints" from the viewers. I guess they think it's better to ignore it all.

Re: Literally

PA Mom-mom — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:19:34 GMT

@Marie Antoinette This literally isn't the first time this subject has literally been broached. You will find many of us are bothered by this term and the misuse thereof. I've finally given up with ranting and raving. You may change the channel, but you will not get rid of the problem. On the other hand, you could make it a drinking game

Re: Literally

Kachina624 — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:28:34 GMT

@PA Mom-mom The beauty of it is that our remotes have a "mute" button.

Re: Literally

rms1954 — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:36:59 GMT

Most of the hosts have repetitive wordings they use and it does get annoying esp if you watch it a lot. They could all use a refresh of their presentations.

Re: Literally

TheMemphisVette — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:42:28 GMT

Re: Literally

KKJ — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 23:41:58 GMT

It's nothing new. I've been watching since Q began in the '80s and hosts have been overusing that word since then.

Re: Literally

docsgirl — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 02:08:58 GMT

Re: Literally

docsgirl — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 02:21:06 GMT

Not only are they constantly using that word but they are using it incorrectly. I'm an English teacher and my students know the proper use of that word. I've taped some of the sales clerks on QVC and brought the tapes into class. When I played them, my kids instantly knew the incorrect use and would yell out, "NOOOOO!" One time, Alberti said, "When we found out this was going to be in our show, we literally flew through the ceiling." My students said he was stupid because everybody knows you cannot actually fly through a ceiling. Another time he said some food he was presenting was literally running out of the building. Anybody knows that food cannot run. I don't know how grown people can be so ignorant of the basics of proper grammar.

Another show of ignorance is when Shawn says, "This only costs a $25 bill," or any other non-monetary denomination. I've played some of her tapes when she says a $25 bill or a $49 dollar bill and the kids asked me if she went to school because she doesn't know monetary denominations.

I don't know why management doesn't correct these people unless they don't know either. That's my guess.

I would gladly train the Q sales clerks in proper grammar.

Re: Literally

docsgirl — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 02:31:03 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@Marie Antoinette I wouldn't mind the use of the word if they'd just use it correctly. I seriously doubt handbags or lipsticks are "literally" flying out the door. These items typically don't have wings. They need to try substituting the word "actually" and see if it makes sense. They could say "virtually".

That's exactly how I teach my students. I ask them to remove the word 'literally' and substitute either 'actually' or 'really.' If it makes sense, literally is correct. BUT, when literally is correct, there is no need to use it. Very often, people use it as a filler word. If one wants to place emphasis on something, it is proper to use 'literally.'

Re: Literally

Elodie2 — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:01:39 GMT

May I add the word iconic to the misused/overused list?

Re: Literally

Puppy Lips — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:52:05 GMT

I had not noticed the overuse or misuse of Literally, but I am sure I will notice it now. Every host, and some vendors, has/have their own phrases that they use over and over and over again.

On another note - I find it amusing that every items is "very very popular." I don't know what sales figure deems it very popular, but I highly doubt this is the case on everything.

Re: Literally

Cookie2025 — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 02:45:35 GMT

FRANKLY