Hyperbole

A hyperbole is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated or extravagant. It implies strong feelings or is used to create a strong impression and is not meant to be taken literally.

Examples:

• "He is as big as a house!"
• "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
• "That's the worst idea in the world."

In show business, hyperbole (known as hype or media hype) is the practice of spending money on public relations in an attempt to bolster public interest in (for example) a movie, television show, or performing artist. Often the entertainment value of the thing being hyped is exaggerated.

See also:

• Movie marketing
• Technology hype
• Quote whore

External link: http://www.uky.edu/ArtsSciences/Classics/rhetoric.html