The Usual Suspects
Language evolves, and some word meanings have shifted so much that the "wrong" usage is now widely accepted. But if you're writing for an audience that cares about precision, these five are worth knowing.
1. Literally
What people think it means: "very" or "extremely" (for emphasis).
What it actually means: in a literal manner; exactly as stated, without exaggeration.
"I literally died laughing" is now so common that dictionaries have added the informal sense. But in professional writing, save "literally" for when you mean something actually, physically happened.
2. Ironic
What people think it means: coincidental, unfortunate, or funny.
What it actually means: happening in the opposite way to what is expected, often in a way that is amusing or poignant.
Rain on your wedding day isn't ironic, it's just unfortunate. A fire station burning down? That's ironic.
3. Peruse
What people think it means: to skim or glance through.
What it actually means: to read thoroughly and carefully.
This one is almost completely inverted in casual use. "Let me peruse the menu" usually means a quick scan, but the word originally meant close, careful study.
4. Bemused
What people think it means: amused.
What it actually means: puzzled, confused, or bewildered.
The "be-" prefix and the similar sound to "amused" create the confusion. But "she looked bemused" means she looked confused, not entertained.
5. Nauseous
What people think it means: feeling sick.
What it actually means (traditionally): causing nausea. The word for feeling sick is "nauseated."
This distinction has largely collapsed in everyday speech. Most style guides now accept both usages. But if you want to be precise: the food is nauseous, and it makes you nauseated.
The Takeaway
None of these are "wrong" in casual conversation, language is a living thing. But in writing where precision matters, knowing the original meaning gives you an edge.