The program is deliberately torturing them (and us) and yet they have somehow come go love it, the same way Winston Smith loves Big Brother.

I think you're spot on there (apart from the torturing the viewers bit), although wouldn't be surprised if some of the contestants were 'ordered' to up the hystrionics a bit by the production staff in order to keep in line with what they want, and an easier pass through. Would be good to see a suttle, genuine piss-taker slip under the radar in the future and make it through to lives, and treat the show in the context it should be. Older contestant could be good candidate to try that.

Torture? Let's not lose all sense of perspective, shall we?

Are you for real? Do you think when I say "I'm starving" and put the toast on I should keep perspective. Or whaylt if I'm "dying for a glass of wine".

Do you honestly think I meant literal torture?

Unbelievable.

Having seen someone claim the Melanie saga was "literally horrific", I'm taking no chances. Why say "torture" if you didn't mean torture then?

I can only suggest you re-read the post you quoted. If you don't understand it I'm afraid I can't help.

As an aside, although I was not the other poster to whom you refer you will find that many people use the word "literally" to mean the same as "figuratively" which of course gives "literally" two meanings which are opposites. There has been extensive discussion of this recently in newspapers. I hope that helps.

http://www.salon.com/2013/08/22/acco...vely_newscred/