What does hyperbole mean?

A hyperbole is a literary device that’s commonly used both in written and spoken language to communicate or illustrate an idea. The word “hyperbole” has its roots in the Greek language, coming from a Greek word meaning “excess.” Whether you’re writing a poem, a screenplay, a novel, or just recounting a story to friends, you might already use hyperboles without knowing it! Read on to learn more about what a hyperbole is and how to use it in your own writing and storytelling.

What is a hyperbole?

As mentioned, a hyperbole is a figure of speech or literary device that uses extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point or detail of a story. Hyperbole is always understood as an exaggeration—it’s an extreme enough use of language that a reader or listener knows not to take it literally. Hyperbole can be used for comedy, to describe an intense feeling, or to provide emphasis. It differs from basic exaggeration in that it communicates something that’s not possible or rooted in reality.

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Hyperbole is suitable for fictional, poetic, or comedic writing and can bring dynamism or humor to your content. However, hyperbole should be avoided in nonfiction contexts, as it’s not factual.

Hyperbole examples

To get a sense of what a hyperbole is and how to use it in your own writing and storytelling, take a look at these examples of hyperbole.

I’ve told you this a million times.
I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.
That was the shortest class ever.
Her backpack weighs a ton.
My parents are going to kill me if I’m out past my curfew.
It took us forever to get here.
That was the best movie ever.
My legs are killing me after that run.
He was dying of laughter.
We haven’t seen you in a million years.
My grandpa is older than dirt.
You could’ve knocked me over with a feather.
Your brain is the size of a pea.
I love you to the moon and back.
I’m dying of thirst.
Your puppy is the cutest thing in the world.
This purse cost me an arm and a leg.
It’s so hot, you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.
You have the memory of an elephant.
We’ve seen that movie a thousand times.
We made enough food to feed an army.
I had to walk to the ends of the earth to find it.

All of the hyperbole examples above illustrate that this figure of speech is not conveying facts, but rather adding comedic or poetic emphasis to the feeling or circumstance it describes.

Hyperbole vs. simile and metaphor

Similes and metaphors are two other literary devices that are often used in a similar context to hyperboles in order to add emphasis or humor. However, the difference is that similes and metaphors add emphasis by making a comparison, whereas hyperboles don’t have to (although it can!).

Similes use “like” or “as” to make a comparison. An example of a simile is, “Her hair was as red as a firetruck.” Metaphors make comparisons, but don’t use the words “like” and “as.” An example of a metaphor is, “My life is an open book.” Simile and metaphor can be used as hyperbole, depending on the level of exaggeration. Here are a few examples of hyperboles that also make comparisons:

He eats like a bird.
We ran like the wind.
She’s as old as the hills.
She’s as skinny as a toothpick.
He’s as tall as a beanpole.
I’m as high as a kite.

It’s important to keep in mind that while similes and metaphors use figurative language to make comparisons or describe something, they differ from hyperbole in that hyperbole is always an extreme exaggeration not meant to be taken literally.

When to use hyperbole

Hyperbole can be used in many contexts, from comedy stand-up routines to advertising. Hyperbole should be avoided in formal or nonfiction writing, such as a professional communication or a research paper. However, it can be used quite effectively in more creative contexts like poetry or fiction writing. It’s a great way to illustrate something extreme in a story or help your reader understand the intensity of a feeling. When used correctly, hyperbole can bring your writing or storytelling to the next level and help you engage readers in a new way.