Figurative language is speech or writing that departs from normal meaning or sound to
create a special effect. These "literary devices" as they are called are: alliteration, hyperbole, idioms,
metaphors, personification, onomatopoeia and similes. Last month, we tackled the first device
"alliteration." Here we're going to discuss the fun device "hyperbole."
The meaning of hyperbole is a gross exaggeration, in order to emphasize a point. And we use it in
both everyday speech and when writing.
Here are some examples:
1) My dad can lift two tons (i.e. he is a very strong person). You should have the idea from here.
2) That food was so hot my ears were smoking.
3) That boy runs faster than a car.
4) I'm so tired I could sleep a year.
5) I'm 20 feet tall this month.
6) I must have walked a thousand miles.
7) He cried so long that he made a lake.
8) I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
9) You have a million toys at your house.
Stay connected for the next device: "idioms."
And for more information: www.englishteachinghoboken.com
