Photo courtesy of Pixaby, CCO

One of the most common figures of speech in the English language is the hyperbole, yet I suspect that it is also one of the most misunderstood. It is easy to assume that almost any form of exaggeration is hyperbole but, technically, that’s not true. Recognizing what is, and what is not hyperbole should be one of your goals if you are ever to fully grasp the nuances of a conversation in this crazy language.

Hyperbole is a figure of speech which uses exaggeration as a means of emphasis. We call these intensifiers because they strongly express feelings.

• “This box weighs a ton!”
• “I could eat a horse.”
• “We were dying of laughter.”

They aren’t intended to be taken seriously. It comes to us from the Greek word hyperbolḗ, meaning to cast beyond. You are expressing something which cannot be. Like metaphors and similes, it is a form of figurative language. When you speak figuratively you are using words or phrases which do not have a literal meaning. In the case of hyperbole, the words that you use colorfully express the exaggerated nature of your statement. An effective use of hyperbole could also be funny and unexpected. We call these hyperbolic statements.

• “I’m pretty sure that our waiter had the IQ of a gnat.”
• “It’s so cold, a dog could stick to a fire hydrant.”

Hyperbole can likewise evoke strong feelings and emotions, and therefore is often used rhetorically in debates or serious conversations.

• “I’ve never heard anything more outrageous in my life!”
• “There’s not an ounce of truth in that statement whatsoever.”

It is also a very common device in literature. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the titular figure is described as, “This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues.” That’s a pretty effective put-down.

Exaggeration, not hyperbole

But, remember, hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration not intended to be taken seriously. We also see exaggerated claims and statements every day which, when reviewed, are not factual. They may, however, have been intended to be taken as truth. Claiming massive lines of people waiting to catch a glimpse of a certain politician when none exist is an exaggeration, but that is not a use of hyperbole. And yet, I have heard otherwise respectable people call such lies hyperbole.

You may also hear false claims of statistical evidence, such as, “80% of the public supports this legislation.” But, a quick fact check will prove the statement to be wrong. When presented with the evidence, it is not unusual to hear that it was just hyperbole. No, it wasn’t.

However, if you hear a statement like, “We all know the solution to that problem.” That is hyperbole. It isn’t truthful, but it is an exaggeration which (one would hope) is not intended to be taken literally.

If a falsehood is elevated to the level of figurative speech, then we lower the standards for rhetoric and discourse in English. Hopefully, you can now recognize the difference. It will make you a better, more discernable, critic of what you hear.

I’d love to hear some of your favorite hyperbolic statements! Please feel free to share some in the Comments section.