Hyperbole Definition
Hyperbole, derived from a Greek word meaning “over-casting” is a figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.
Examples of Hyperbole
- My grandmother is as old as the hills.
- Your suitcase weighs a ton!
- She is as heavy as an elephant!
- I am dying of shame.
- I am trying to solve a million issues these days.
Some jokes
also take advantage of hyperbole, like the “Your Mama” jokes. For example:
- Your mama is so lazy she got a remote controller to operate her remote.
- Your mama is so old her social security number is 1.
- Your mama is so ugly they didn’t give her a costume when she auditioned for Star Wars.
Hyperbole Examples from Literature
From Joseph Conrad’s novel “The Heart of Darkness”,“I had to wait in the station for ten days-an eternity.”
The wait of ten days seemed to last forever and never end.
Function of Hyperbole
The above arguments make clear the use of hyperbole. In our daily conversation, we use hyperbole to emphasize for an amusing effect. However, in literature it has very serious implications. By using hyperbole, a writer or a poet makes common human feelings remarkable and intense to such an extent that they do not remain ordinary. In literature, usage of hyperbole develops contrasts. When one thing is described with an over-statement and the other thing is presented normally, a striking contrast is developed. This technique is employed to catch the reader’s attention.
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