I LOVE the English language; its history, its nuances and the fact it is continually changing to reflect the imagination of the world as we know it.

There have always been “fashionable” or “cool” words but just occasionally one comes along which raises my blood pressure to an unhealthy level... literally.

Is it possible to be involved in a conversation anywhere now without hearing this word... literally?

Do none of us believe a word we say to each other any more? Overheard last week: “I had literally just sent a text, when he stepped onto the bus.”

Also…“It was so icy on the pavement, I literally fell over and hurt my back.”

It would be logical in both instances to ask the speakers whether they felt the listeners usually regard them as total liars.

These are just two examples from thousands I could have chosen...literally.

Next time you embark on a conversation with a group of friends, agree from the outset that whenever someone uses the word in question, they are fined 50p. The fines could then be donated to a charity.

If we all did it, I think we could raise thousands of pounds for good causes...literally.

And don’t get me started on obviously.

Steve Perkins, Heslington, York.