Hyperbole, along with many literary devices, are technique to better communicate our ideas. What is the definition of hyperbole and how do we distinguish this from other literary devices. Before we present some classic and effective examples, let’s take a look at the hyperbole definition.
What is Hyperbole?
Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. In rhetoric, it is also sometimes known as auxesis. In poetry and oratory, it emphasizes, evokes strong feelings, and creates strong impressions. As a figure of speech, it is usually not meant to be taken literally.
Take this statement for example:
- I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.
In truth, you wouldn’t be able to eat a whole horse. But you use the phrase to show people you’re extremely hungry.
The word hyperbole, from a Greek word meaning “excess,” is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis. Unlike most English words beginning with hyper-, it is stressed on the second syllable. The first known use was in the 15th century.
Hyperbole is often used for emphasis or effect. In casual speech, it functions as an intensifier: saying “the bag weighed a ton” simply means that the bag was extremely heavy. The rhetorical device may be used for serious ironic or comic effects.
Understanding hyperbole and its use in context can help understand the speaker’s point. Hyperbole generally conveys feelings or emotions from the speaker, or from those who the speaker may talk about.
It can be used in the form of humor, excitement, distress, and many other emotions, all depending on the context in which the speaker uses it.
How To Use Hyperbole in Writing?
The main purpose of hyperbole is to amplify something. To work hyperbole into your writing, consider the following questions:
- Who or what is the most important element of this scene? Hyperbole shines a spotlight on someone or something, so decide ahead of time what you want your reader to pay attention to.
- Are there specific qualities that mean more than others? Say you have identified a character as the most important element. What about them do you want to emphasize? If a certain quality serves the story better at that moment, then that’s the one you’ll want to highlight with hyperbole.
- Are there any easy comparisons to make? Hyperbole should be easy to understand. If you want to demonstrate how hard it’s raining, you might turn to easy hyperbolic comparisons like a “waterfall,” a “deluge,” or a “sheet of water.” Hyperboles should be quick, dramatic, and obvious.
Hyperboles are not meant to trick your reader. It should be clear that the statement is exaggerated in order to emphasize something specific. To be clear, hyperbole is not lying, but it’s also not something to take literally. Speaking of literally…
Examples of Hyperbole in Everyday Speech
Look at the following list of hyperbolic phrases. How many of them have you heard or used before?
- I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.
- My feet are killing me.
- That plane ride took forever.
- This is the best book ever written.
- I love you to the moon and back.
- The pen is mightier than the sword.
- I’ve told you this 20,000 times.
- Cry me a river.
- He’s running faster than the wind.
- The teacher asked us to be quiet a million times.
- It was so cold, even the polar bears were shivering.
- This bag weighs a ton.
- There were a million questions in the math test today.
- That man is as tall as a house.
- That trend is as old as the dinosaurs.
- This is the worst day of my life.
- I’d never do that. Not in a million years!
- My dad will kill me when he comes home.
- That guy has tons of money.
- Your skin is softer than silk.
- She’s as skinny as a toothpick.
- She was so happy; her smile was a mile wide.
- The footballer is the best player of all time.
- It’s impossible to complete this puzzle.
- Next Friday is never going to arrive.
- I’ve read this book a hundred times.
- My hand hurts so much it’s going to drop off.
- My fingers are so cold, they’re going to shatter!
- My brother is stronger than iron.
- She’s my guardian angel.
- Your brain is the size of a pea.
- I’m so sad that I’m drowning in tears.
- The leaves are dancing in the breeze.
Examples of Hyperbole in Speeches
When hyperbole is carefully placed into a speech, it can help you really punch your points. A tiny bit of exaggeration may be enough to perk up the ears of your audience.
- “I think this is the most extraordinary collection of human talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House — with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” – White House dinner honoring Nobel Prize winners, President John F. Kennedy
- “So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – First Inaugural Address, Franklin Delano Roosevelt
- “That year, 1967, the Dallas Cowboys had 137 rookies in training camp. Gil Brandt was signing everybody that could walk. Only five made the team that year, and I was one of the five.” – Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Address, Larry Rayfield Wright
- “Please sit down because having produced nine million award shows, I know the producers up there saying, ‘Hurry, say thanks fast.'” – Daytime Emmy Award Acceptance Address, Dick Clark
Examples of Hyperbole in Advertising
Many advertising campaigns and slogans feature hyperbole as a way to attract customers to their products. Here are some examples of hyperbole in well-known advertisements:
- When you’re here, you’re family. (Olive Garden)
- Breakfast of champions (Wheaties)
- The king of beers (Budweiser)
- The best a man can get (Gillette)
- When there is no tomorrow (FedEx)
- Nothing runs like a Deere. (John Deere)
- Tastes so good, cats ask for it by name. (Meow Mix)
- Taste the rainbow (Skittles)
- America runs on Dunkin’ (Dunkin’ Donuts)
- Red Bull gives you wings (Red Bull)
Examples of Hyperbole from Movies
Let us take a look at some examples of the use of hyperbole in some of the most famous movies.
- Agnes, the little girl in ‘Despicable Me’ said, “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!” the moment she got the fluffy unicorn.
- “As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again” from ‘Gone with the Wind’.
- “To infinity and beyond!” from the movie, ‘Toy Story’.
- “You sit on a throne of lies” from the movie, ‘Elf’.
- “We are going to pull off the true crime of the century. We are going to steal the moon!” from the movie, ‘Despicable Me’.