Suggestion Box

[docsgirl]

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. 

[docsgirl]

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@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".

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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.'

[Elodie2]

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

[Puppy Lips]

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.

[Cookie2025]

FRANKLY