Difference between revisions of "Hyperbole"
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| − | '''Hyperbole''' is a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize a point with [[drama]]tic or [[comedy|comedic]] effect. | + | '''Hyperbole''' is a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize a point with [[drama]]tic or [[comedy|comedic]] effect. |
| − | + | ||
| − | "I would jump off a cliff before I'd ever miss church." | + | ==Examples== |
| − | + | An example of dramatic hyperbole might be the following: | |
| + | :"I would jump off a cliff before I'd ever miss church." | ||
The phrase "jump off a cliff" is not literal, but rather an exaggeration intended to emphasize how strongly the speaker feels about going to [[church]]. | The phrase "jump off a cliff" is not literal, but rather an exaggeration intended to emphasize how strongly the speaker feels about going to [[church]]. | ||
An example of comedic hyperbole follows: | An example of comedic hyperbole follows: | ||
| − | + | :"Yo mama is so fat she has her own zip code." | |
| − | " | ||
| − | |||
Clearly this is an exaggeration, since, while the person's mother may indeed be very [[fat]], she could not be anywhere near large enough to require her own [[zip code]]. | Clearly this is an exaggeration, since, while the person's mother may indeed be very [[fat]], she could not be anywhere near large enough to require her own [[zip code]]. | ||
| + | ==Hyperbole in advertising== | ||
[[Advertising]] makes frequent use of hyperbole in order to draw attention to the positive aspects of a product and garner interest from [[consumer]]s. A new [[toothpaste]], [[automobile]], or electronic gadget must be the healthiest, fastest, or coolest thing in town. | [[Advertising]] makes frequent use of hyperbole in order to draw attention to the positive aspects of a product and garner interest from [[consumer]]s. A new [[toothpaste]], [[automobile]], or electronic gadget must be the healthiest, fastest, or coolest thing in town. | ||
Revision as of 23:36, December 28, 2007
Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize a point with dramatic or comedic effect.
Examples
An example of dramatic hyperbole might be the following:
- "I would jump off a cliff before I'd ever miss church."
The phrase "jump off a cliff" is not literal, but rather an exaggeration intended to emphasize how strongly the speaker feels about going to church.
An example of comedic hyperbole follows:
- "Yo mama is so fat she has her own zip code."
Clearly this is an exaggeration, since, while the person's mother may indeed be very fat, she could not be anywhere near large enough to require her own zip code.
Hyperbole in advertising
Advertising makes frequent use of hyperbole in order to draw attention to the positive aspects of a product and garner interest from consumers. A new toothpaste, automobile, or electronic gadget must be the healthiest, fastest, or coolest thing in town.
Many consumers have grown accustomed to the use of hyperbole in advertisements and are no longer impressed by products being hailed by their makers as the "best" or "greatest" thing ever.