What is hyperbole?
Hyperbole is the deliberate use of exaggeration to create feeling (sympathy, anger, humour) or an impression.
Note on hyperbole
You should be careful with using hyperbole – a little can add variety, but don’t make it too crazy or use it too often. You should also choose when to use it – serious writing doesn’t generally use hyperbole.
Examples
| Hyperbole example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| He has tons of money | He is rich |
| Her brain is the size of a pea | She is stupid |
| I’m so hungry I could eat a horse | I’m very hungry |
| If I am seen with her, I will die of embarrassment | I would be embarrassed if people see me with her |
| It’s going to take me a million years | It’s going to take a really long time |
| I’m freezing | I’m really cold |
| This room is boiling | This room is really hot |
| I’m starving | I’m really hungry |
| I’ve been dying of the flu all week | I’ve been really sick with the flu all week |
Further common examples
| I have a million things to do | I have a mountain of paperwork to do |
| I will be there in two seconds | She is so thin that when she turns sideways she disappears |
| The bus is taking forever | You’re always doing that |
| I’ve told you a thousand times | She has been working here since the beginning of time |
| I’m so tired I could sleep for a week | She is so beautiful she could stop traffic |