Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the greatest thing in the history of the entire world!!!
Hyperbole is nothing more than a very large exaggeration, as demonstrated above, and is often used for emphasis. Here, I have made something appear way better than it is, but hyperbole can be used many different ways. This is kind of a funny word, so to hear it pronounced correctly, click here.
Has anyone ever said to you "I've told you a million times to go to bed/sit down/spit out your gum?" Have they literally told you a million times? Although it might seem like it, they probably haven't, they are simply exaggerating for effect; in other words, they are using hyperbole.
Has anyone ever said to you "I've told you a million times to go to bed/sit down/spit out your gum?" Have they literally told you a million times? Although it might seem like it, they probably haven't, they are simply exaggerating for effect; in other words, they are using hyperbole.
Here's an example of hyperbole in poetry. The author is unknown, but the title of the poem is I Ate A Spicy Pepper. As you read, look for the specific details that make this hyperbole. You can also click on the image of the boy with his head on fire to hear the poem read aloud.
I Ate a Spicy Pepper
I ate a spicy pepper From my brother on a dare. The pepper caught my head on fire And burned off all my hair. My mouth erupted lava And my tongue began to melt. My ears were shooting jets of steam. At least that’s how they felt. I ricocheted around the room. I ran across the ceiling. I dove right in the freezer To relieve the burning feeling. I drank a thousand soda pops And chewed a ton of ice To try to stop the scorching Of that spicy pepper’s spice. At last, the flames extinguished, I admitted to my brother, “That pepper was the best one yet. May I please have another?” |
|