Writing Tips: Hyperbole

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What the heck is a hyperbole? Funny, that’s what it is; or rather, what it tries to be. You have probably heard it before without realizing what it is. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that has as its focus the exaggeration of our expressions. Why would you simply say “I’m hungry,” when you could say something like “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse?” American’s use hyperbole all the time.

This is an important writing technique. As you know, writing is meant to draw the reader in to experience what we, as authors, want them to. Sometimes writers create so much tension that it can be hard to bear from a reader’s perspective. A common approach to an overdose of tension is to insert some type of humor to give the reader a temporary release, or to catch a breath if you will. Hyperbole is a great technique you can use to accomplish just that.

Probably one of the more popular fads in recent years involves the hyperbole: The Yo-Mamma jokes. These are all hyperboles, believe it or not. When used properly they can be great fun. Be cautious though; by defintion the hyperbole can be a bit unbelievable, and over the top. However, when used properly they can simply rock your world! Here is my favorite Yo-Mamma joke:

“Yo mamma’s lips are so fat, chapstick had to make a spray.”

This is obviously an exaggeration, but it works. Try using some Hyperbole in your writing to break up the tension. The technique works well if done properly, so put it to work for you. Here are some more examples of hyperbole to top off this artile:

He’s a million years old.

She’s got tons of money.

His brain is the size of a pea.

I’ll just die if he asks me to dance.

It took forever to get to work today.

Happy writing!

Justin