Hmm... I asked a housemate and he went on about it being a figure of catachresis, which is both figurative and literal at the same time, or so say the American Deconstructionalists. I think the conversation went on from there, and I think I was violated, but at that point I was no longer sure of what was happening. You do things with words before you refer to the world!
For once, I'm glad to be a biochemist.
Edit: So it makes sense... I think. And might I add that I prefer the explanation offered here. I bet he was just trying to sound smart. Well, I'll show him I will.