What is Hyperbole?
There are about a million ways to define hyperbole, but I'm not one to exaggerate for comical, ironic or dramatic effect. I would jump off a cliff before I'd ever use hyperbole in a WiseGEEK definition.
The preceding message helps to define what hyperbole is and why a writer might choose to use it. Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration used for dramatic or comic effect in literature. While there may be many examples of hyperbole, using the figure 'one million' is a deliberate exaggeration used as shorthand for some significantly high number. The same holds true for the extreme threat of jumping off a cliff. By using dramatic hyperbole, the writer communicates an unspoken level of devotion or passion.
The use of hyperbole as a figure of speech hinges on deliberate exaggeration for a desired effect. If the statement is objectively true, there is no hyperbole. One might say, "The Sears tower is the tallest building in all of Chicago." without any sense of exaggeration or irony. This is not hyperbole.
Another writer might say, "Our new school is large enough to have its own zip code." Obviously few buildings would actually meet this standard, so the exaggeration is for comic or dramatic effect. This is hyperbole in action.
There are entire industries built around the power of hyperbole. Advertising agencies routinely use hyperbole to build up their client's products and services in the consumers' minds. A new toothpaste, automobile or electronic gadget must be the healthiest, fastest or coolest thing in town.
Many consumers have grown accustomed to such fantastic or hyperbolic claims. Their common mantra is "Don't believe the hype." The word hype is actually derived from the word hyperbole.
The movie industry also depends heavily on the power of hyperbole. Whenever a new motion picture or television program is released, the studio's promotional department will use selected quotes to hype their products: "Mel Gibson gives the performance of a lifetime!" or "Siskel and Roeper give this movie two thumbs up. Way up!" It really doesn't matter if Mel Gibson also gave 'the performance of a lifetime' three times last year. Without hyperbole, advertisers, storytellers and publicists would probably be looking for other lines of work.
Written by Michael Pollick
