What is a Hyperbole?

A hyperbole is a expression of speech in which an exaggeration or overstatement is used to emphasize or affect. Hyperboles are frequently employed to make a point or to communicate great emotion, and they should not be taken literally.

For example, someone might say, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse”, to convey their extreme hunger, even though they do not literally intend to eat a horse. Or someone might say, “I’ve told you a million times,” to emphasize that they have repeated something many times, even though the actual number of times may be less than a million.

Hyperboles are often used in literature and everyday language to add emphasis or to create a more vivid or memorable image. They can be used for comedic effects or to convey strong feelings or emotions. However, it is important to recognize that hyperboles are not intended to be taken literally and should not be confused with factual statements.

When used correctly, the hyperbole may be very effective—there is a distinction between adopting a hyperbolic figure of speech and misleading your reader. When the audience recognizes that you are using hyperbole, it is effective. The goal of utilizing hyperbole is to stress the immensity of something through exaggerated contrast, not to deceive the reader.

For example,

She’ll perish from embarrassment.

This does not imply that the girl will become unwell or that her heart will stop because of shame. Instead, the speaker employs hyperbole to show how embarrassed she will be.