Bar Takes a Stand Against Word 'Literally'

The Continental in New York City posts a tongue-in-cheek warning that causes a stir
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 26, 2018 11:27 AM CST
Bar Takes a Stand Against Word 'Literally'
A bouncer stands outside The Continental in New York on Dec. 9, 2015.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

A Manhattan bar that previously made waves for banning people in saggy pants will now figuratively kick you out for saying the word "literally." A sign posted this week at The Continental tells patrons that "literally" is "the most overused, annoying word in the English language and we will not tolerate it," adding that scofflaws will have five minutes to finish their drink and vamoose, per Munchies. This might have gone unnoticed, had the sign not caused a bit of a stir on social media, angering some who detected sexism. But owner Trigger Smith revealed to Grub Street that while he does indeed hate the word "literally," patrons won't really be kicked out. "I literally feel sorry for anybody who would take this seriously," says Smith, whose bar will close this summer after 27 years in business, per Time Out. (More New York City stories.)

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