Much more exciting thing about Rust is that it is actively moving to reduce the language features. At the version 0.1 I was literally shocked about the typestate system ("It is a good idea but I don't know how this feature will end up!") but it is now replaced by other features (owned pointers in this case) more fundamental and more easier to reason. As an wannabe language designer I understand this is very hard to undertake, and I'm appreciate all these works by Rust team and contributors. :)
Since "shocked" is a synonym of "surprised" / "startled", I think literally is fair in this case. I'd believe that he was literally surprised by the news!
Also, one common usage of "literally" is to describe a figurative or hyperbolic phrase. This usage is well over a century old, and I doubt you can find an English dictionary which does not contain it.
Perhaps you are one of those semi-informed people that don't know the definition of "literally" and go around bothering folks with ill-conceived pedantry?
From dictionary.com:
1. in the literal or strict sense: What does the word mean literally? 2. in a literal manner; word for word: to translate literally. 3. actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy: The city was literally destroyed. 4. in effect; in substance; very nearly; virtually.
Maybe if you sprayed onto a badly-insulated keyboard, you could create a short circuit through your fingers, and be both metaphorically and literally shocked, as well as having literally spewed.
I've read this comment again. I didn't mean oxymoron, I meant hyperbole (just in case my children read this in 2034, I don't want them to think I'm an idiot).
