Chapter 2 Word Choice
115
The Smithsonian Institution, literally/figuratively,
cement/concrete
Welcome back you hungry news puppies with an appetite for the
correct way to say it.
It's The Smithsonian Institution, NOT "Institute."
A Baltimore sports reporter takes on "literally" versus "figuratively":
"I have a lot of trouble when I hear the following, most often
from sports announcers: `Shaquille O'Neal has literally taken the
entire team on his shoulders in the fourth quarter.' I guess saying
that he `figuratively' has taken the team on his shoulders doesn't
sound as heroic. Dramatic effect aside, it is silly, isn't it, to use
`literally' when, big as he is, Shaq could probably manage just
half the team on his shoulders?"
Indeed, "literally" means "actually."
"Figuratively" means "symbolically."
v
Mrs. B FIGURATIVELY hit a concrete wall when she tried to
convince Mr. B to go to her family reunion this year.
And that brings up the difference between concrete and cement.
"Cement" is just one ingredient of "concrete," which also contains
water, sand, and an aggregate like gravel.
"Cement" is pronounced suh-MENT, not SEE-ment.
And if you're reporting on an accident involving a big mixer truck,
it's a "concrete" truck, NOT a "cement" truck.
v
Mr. B could end up in a big block of CONCRETE if he
displeases "the family" one time too many.
That's FIGURATIVELY speaking.... of course.
