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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
