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Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for dramatic or comic effect in literature, advertising, and film. It is a figure of speech that depends on deliberate exaggeration to create a desired effect. The term “hype” comes from hyperbole, and many consumers have become skeptical of hyperbolic claims.
There are about a million ways to define hyperbole, but I’m not one to exaggerate for comic, ironic, or dramatic effect. I would jump off a cliff before using hyperbole in a definition.
The above message helps define what hyperbole is and why a writer might choose to use it. The term is used for a deliberate exaggeration used for dramatic or comic effect in literature. While there may be many examples, using the figure “one million” is a deliberate exaggeration used as shorthand for a significantly large number. The same goes for the extreme threat of jumping off a cliff. Using dramatic words, the writer communicates an unspoken level of devotion or passion.
The use of hyperbole as a figure of speech depends on deliberate exaggeration for a desired effect. If the statement is objectively true, there is no hyperbole. One could say, “The Sears Tower is the tallest building in all of Chicago.” without any sense of exaggeration or irony.
Another writer might say, “Our new school is big enough to have its own zip code.” Of course few buildings would actually meet this standard, so the exaggeration is for comedic or dramatic effect.
There are entire industries built around the power of hyperbole. Advertising agencies routinely use it to build their clients’ products and services in the minds of consumers. A new toothpaste, car, or electronic gadget has to be the healthiest, fastest, or coolest thing in town.
Many consumers have gotten used to such fanciful or hyperbolic claims. Their common mantra is “Don’t believe the hype”. The word hype actually comes from the word hyperbole.
Even the film industry depends heavily on the power of hyperbole. Whenever a new movie or TV show is released, the studio’s promotional department will use hand-picked quotes to promote their products, with statements like, “The star gives the performance of a lifetime!” Never mind that the actor also gave “the performance of a lifetime” three times in the previous year. Without hyperbole, advertisers, storytellers and publicists would likely seek out other lines of work.
