Hyperbole and Sarcasm
Some of you might already know that the name of this site is humorous. I hope so. If English is actually killing you, then imagine what it is doing to me! Sure, the title is funny. It is an example of hyperbole, which is an exaggeration. Have you ever said, "I could eat a horse."? That is an exaggeration. How about this. The old man said that he could sleep for a million years. That is another hyperbole. Look at the photo above. That is Conan the Barbarian. He's not very happy. It is quite possible he is going to put someone to sleep forever. Did you ever tell your little brother or sister you were going to kill them? Good. You are normal. That kind of statement is also an example of hyperbole.
Some of you might wonder how to pronounce this word. You can separate the syllables like this: Hi - Per - Bow - Lee. Put the stress on Per, and you have it.
Sarcasm is very different. It relies mainly on intention. For instance, let's say you are at a friend's house and your friend's wife is not a good cook. Even your friend knows this. When your friend's wife says dinner is ready, and you say, "This ought to be wonderful", that is an example of sarcasm. The words [This ought to be wonderful] are not negative or insulting words, but the intention (or the meaning behind the words) is. Sarcasm is a negative form of rhetoric in which neutral or pleasant sounding words are used to make harsh criticisms.
Some of you might wonder how to pronounce this word. You can separate the syllables like this: Hi - Per - Bow - Lee. Put the stress on Per, and you have it.
Sarcasm is very different. It relies mainly on intention. For instance, let's say you are at a friend's house and your friend's wife is not a good cook. Even your friend knows this. When your friend's wife says dinner is ready, and you say, "This ought to be wonderful", that is an example of sarcasm. The words [This ought to be wonderful] are not negative or insulting words, but the intention (or the meaning behind the words) is. Sarcasm is a negative form of rhetoric in which neutral or pleasant sounding words are used to make harsh criticisms.
