'The Boy Who Cried Literally' Is A Much-Needed Fable For Our Time

CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos

For those who may not be aware, the definition of "literally" is as follows: "In a literal manner or sense; exactly."

These days, we're all guilty of using the word incorrectly — even dictionaries are making exceptions — and much of the time, we should be saying "figuratively" instead. Yes, we understand it doesn't pack the same punch. But what happens if you ever need to convey "literally" in its proper context? Will anyone take you seriously?

CollegeHumor's modern-day adaptation of Aesop's fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" perfectly illustrates the case against overusing "literally."

The long and the short of the sketch, "The Boy Who Cried Literally," is this: "If you keep saying 'literally' when you mean 'figuratively,' you will be stabbed by a vagrant, and you will die."

Ok, you won't literally be killed by a random act of violence. But you really, really need to stop saying "literally" all the flipping time. Literally.