Don't Take Hyerbole Literally
Definition
Hyperbole
A figure of speech that uses deliberate and obvious exaggeration to create a strong impression or emphasize a point.
- It's like cranking the volume up on a feeling or idea to make it louder in the reader’s mind.
- Writers use it to create strong impressions, express emotion, or just be funny.
Hint
- You probably use hyperbole all the time without realizing it.
- “I’m starving.”
- “That movie was the worst thing ever.”
- “She’s a million times smarter than me.”
Hyperbole in Literature
(Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare): “The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars.”
- This is more than a compliment, it’s Romeo losing all sense of reality.
- He exaggerates Juliet’s beauty so much that even the stars look dull in comparison.
- This kind of hyperbole shows the intensity of young love, where emotions are overwhelming and everything feels larger than life.
Exam technique
- You might see this kind of hyperbole in a poetic extract or dramatic monologue where passion distorts perception.
- It’s not about realism but instead about emotional truth.
(To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee): “He was as old as the hills.”
- Scout doesn’t mean the man is literally ancient, this is her childlike way of saying he seemed incredibly old to her.
- The exaggeration also builds her voice as a narrator.
Exam technique
- In narrative prose or coming-of-age fiction, hyperbole often reflects a character’s perspective, especially when they’re young or emotional.
- The exaggeration shows you how they see the world, even if it’s not accurate.
Hyperbole in Film and TV
(Donkey’s dialogue, Shrek): “We can stay up late, swap manly stories, and in the morning, I’m making waffles!”
- Donkey’s plans are wildly over-the-top for a guy he just met.
- His excitement is so intense that it’s funny and that’s the point.
- Hyperbole here amplifies personality and creates instant humor.
Tip
- You’ll often find this kind of exaggerated speech in scripted comedy, animation, or film reviews, where characters are larger-than-life.
- It helps make moments memorable and entertaining.
Hyperbole on Social Media
“I LITERALLY cannot even.”
“Best day of my LIFE.”
“This class is killing me.”
- Hyperbole on social media is about quick emotional shorthand.
- People exaggerate to express how intense something feels, whether it’s boredom, excitement, or frustration.
Tip
- This tone shows up in blogs, vlogs, influencer captions, or informal opinion columns.
- It’s used to connect with audiences, sound relatable, and show personality in just a few words.
How to Identify Hyperbole
To spot hyperbole, ask yourself:
- Is the statement exaggerated? If it seems over-the-top, it's likely hyperbole.
- Is it meant to be taken literally? Hyperbole is not literal, it's used for effect.
- Does it emphasize a point or emotion? Hyperbole often highlights something important or emotional.
Example
"The homework took forever to finish."
Hyperbole vs. Other Figures of Speech
- It's easy to confuse hyperbole with other literary devices.
- Here's how it differs:
- Simile and Metaphor: These compare two things, often using "like" or "as" (simile) or stating one thing is another (metaphor). Hyperbole exaggerates without direct comparison.
- Personification: This gives human traits to non-human things. Hyperbole exaggerates actions or qualities.
- Irony: This involves saying the opposite of what is meant. Hyperbole exaggerates to make a point.
Example
- Metaphor: "He's a rocket on the track."
- Hyperbole: "He runs faster than the speed of light."
Hyperbole in Visual Media
- Hyperbole isn't limited to words. It also appears in visual media like cartoons and advertisements.
- Sometimes, even in real life.
Example
- In this viral ad, a mascara wand the size of a building appears to brush a real bus with giant lashes.
- Inside the Tube station, trains emerge from a tunnel wearing enormous false eyelashes.
- This is visual hyperbole: making objects ridiculously oversized to dramatize the product’s power.
Note
- Exaggeration = memorability
- The sheer size and absurdity of the lashes make it impossible to ignore.
- That’s the point: in a crowded media landscape, brands use visual hyperbole to stand out.
- Dramatizes product effect
- It’s not literally saying the mascara will grow lashes to the size of trains but the exaggeration signals bold, dramatic results.
- Blurs the line between ad and entertainment
- Hyperbole like this invites social sharing.
- People film it, laugh, post it all of which spreads the ad far beyond its original location.
Hyperbole in Persuasive Writing & Ads
- “This deal will change your life.” (Used in ads and product pages)
- The writer doesn’t mean it literally, but they want you to believe the product is that good.
- It creates anticipation, excitement, and encourages impulse buying.
- “The most important election in history.” (Used in political speeches and campaigns)
- Every election can’t be the most important, but this hyperbole creates urgency and moral pressure to act now.
- It’s trying to raise the stakes and push you to vote or donate.
- “Our toothpaste gives you the brightest smile on Earth!” (Used in product packaging or TV ads)
- This exaggeration makes the product seem world-changing, even though it’s just toothpaste.
- It combines comedy, confidence, and memorable phrasing.
| Text Type | How Hyperbole Appears |
|---|---|
| Advertisements | Exaggerated product claims to entice buyers. |
| Campaign Posters | Extreme promises or warnings to sway voters. |
| Opinion Columns | Bold one-liners to push a strong argument. |
| Speeches | Repeated phrases that exaggerate stakes or outcomes. |
Hint
Effective hyperbole makes people feel something, even if their rational brain knows it’s over the top.
