In this episode, we explore hyperboles, dramatic and exaggerated figures of speech commonly used in American English. Shana and her mom, Mara, share everyday examples and discuss their meanings in a fun, relatable conversation.

What's a hyperbole?

• Hyperboles are not meant to be taken literally. They emphasize a point or evoke strong feelings such as humor, drama, or enthusiasm. For example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Everyday Hyperboles

• “I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot.
• This bag "weighs a ton”: Describes something very heavy.
• “As old as dirt”: Refers to someone or something extremely old.
• “My mouth was on fire”: Indicates eating very spicy food.

Losing Body Parts (Metaphorically!)

• “Cry your eyes out”: Feeling extreme sadness.
• “Laugh your head off”: Laughing uncontrollably.
• “Dance your feet off”: Dancing with great energy.
• “Sing your heart out”: Singing with passion and volume.

More Common Hyperboles

• “Bored to death”: Extremely bored, as Mara describes watching football.
• “Floating on air”: Feeling extremely happy, such as discovering you’re going to be a grandparent.
• “So angry you could explode”: Expressing intense frustration.
• “Tastes like heaven on earth”: Describing an exceptionally delicious dessert.
• “In your wildest dreams”: Imagining something extraordinary, like meeting Jane Austen.
• “Speechless”: Amazed or overwhelmed, often by a breathtaking experience.
• To be on top of the world: To be thrilled, or feel ecstatic / excited about life.
• “Everyone and their mom”: EVERYONE and more.

Mentioned in the episode

Season 4

All Premium Content

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices