The issue is the incorrect usage of the word "literal".
Oddly enough, literal in that context is emphasizing the point instead of… the literal meaning.
so many people were misusing the word “literally” the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition expanded to include the “figurative exaggerated” usage of it. So I understand but it’s “technically” correct
From the link in https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32271400, there's references as far back as 1769 where people were "misusing" the word "literally". It has basically never just meant "literal".
Turns out exaggeration works by stating things that aren't strictly true. Who would've thought people could be so devious...
But what if he is though? Can’t prove that he isn’t, you just have to have faith.