hyperboles

[haɪˈpɜːrbəliːz]
nounpl: hyperboles
hipérboles
1. Plural of hyperbole; extreme exaggerations used for emphasis or effect in speech or writing, not meant to be taken literally
His stories were full of hyperboles, claiming he caught fish the size of cars.
Suas histórias eram cheias de hipérboles, afirmando que ele pegava peixes do tamanho de carros.
2. Rhetorical devices using exaggeration to create emphasis, humor, or dramatic effect
The comedian used hyperboles to make the audience laugh at the absurdity of her situations.
A comediante usou hipérboles para fazer o público rir da absurdidade de suas situações.
Hyperboles are widely used in both Brazilian and American English cultures as a form of humor and emphasis. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'hipérbole' is a recognized literary term taught in schools. Americans frequently use hyperboles in casual speech ('I'm dying of hunger', 'I've told you a million times'), while in Portugal and Brazil, hyperboles are also common but may be more consciously employed in literary contexts.
NYC Slang
cap (as in 'that's cap' meaning exaggeration or lie)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
exaggerationsoverstatementsembellishmentsamplifications
Antonyms / Antônimos
understatementsmeiosisdownplayliteral truth

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
hipérboles
Standard usage in both formal and informal contexts
Portugal
hipérboles
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; common in literary and academic contexts
General English (USA)
hyperboles
Common in literary analysis, rhetoric, and everyday speech

Related Words

exaggeratefigurative languagerhetoricliterary devicemetaphorirony

Related Idioms & Phrases

that's a hyperbole
a mountain out of a molehill
blown out of proportion
exaggeration for effect
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