Have you ever noticed how many sayings are thrown around but mean something different than what they are intended to? I am the most guilty of this, but recently I have realized what a gap there is between the actual meaning of some words and the way we use them. Here are a couple of examples:

1. I'm exhausted

Okay, most of us are tired college kids, I get that. But, I really really doubt we're all exhausted. It's an extreme we use to get a point across... At least I do... All the time. Even when I wake up from five hours of sleep and have to do homework, "I'm exhausted."

2. I'm starving

I'm not even sure if people know the definition of starving anymore, because of the way it is used. People eat and an hour later they are starving. Why can't you just be hungry... Or bored... I think current day young people really gravitate towards extremes.

3. Literally

My favorite for sure. So many times I say something and end with, "No... literally." Of course, then I get the question in return, "Is it literally, figuratively, metaphorically...?" Okay I get it, I'm sorry, but it's just a habit. However, I've realized when most people use it, it's after something that's not literal at all.

4. I hate you

I say this all the time in a jokingly way. One of my closest friends could say something funny and as I laugh, my response is this line. It is almost like I use it as a term of endearment now, but the actual meaning is the exact opposite. Not only do I say it, I hear so many people say it now in different ways, too. Maybe you're mad at a friend or family member and you claim to hate them. Truthfully, most times this phrase is said, it is not meant in a way that is as strong as you would think.

5. I love you

This is another phrase I throw around casually. I meet someone I think is super cool and my immediate response is "I love her/him!" Love is supposed to be the most extreme word of expression for a person, but today, it's just kind of a phrase that we all like to use a lot... Weird.

Using phrases like these ones, and so many others not listed, is normal for the current time period. I think our generation really has a thing for the extremes or maybe the dramatics. Regardless, it definitely makes things interesting!