Die Hyperbel ist ein Stilmittel, das uns in allen literarischen Gattungen begegnet. Die Stilfigur beschreibt dabei eine starke Übertreibung, um eine Gefühlsintensität maximal und gesteigert wiederzugeben. Diese Übertreibung kann mitunter einen Begriff bis über die Glaubwürdigkeit hinaus verfremden und sogar einen komischen Effekt haben.
Like most stylistic figures, the word hyperbola is derived from the Greek (ὑπερβολή hyperbolé) and means “surpassing” or “surpassing” and “exaggeration”. The latter translation clearly illustrates what the hyperbola actually has in itself. For it exaggerates to the limits of credibility.
I cried a sea of tears.
This example is the embodiment of sadness. The lyrical ego that we encounter in the verse indicates that we have cried a sea of tears. If we imagine this action, we realize on the one hand that it is not possible to shed so many tears, and on the other hand it becomes obvious that we are dealing with a strong exaggeration. Or just with a hyperbola.
Note: According to Duden, the hyperbola is synonymous with the concept of exaggeration and is not yet understood as an increase of this. The above example, by the way, is a metaphor for sadness and must be developed and interpreted by the reader → Examples of the metaphor.
The hyperbola and the comic
At the beginning, it was claimed that the hyperbola can also be funny or even funny. This statement is now to be proved by means of some examples.
It is part of the nature of the fact that exaggerated statements have a comic effect and many comedians or comedians use this fact. On the one hand, the points are worked out more clearly, and on the other hand the amplification opens up a new reality that exists alongside reality and does not even need to be credible. Let’s look at an example.
“A guide to his people:” Take an example of the competition. There is no ill-treatment. If someone has chills, for example, he’ll come to Sandsieben. ”
In the end, we call such forms of entertainment as an exaggeration joke, and the well-known “your mother” or “chuck norris” pronouncements are ultimately based on this hyperbolic effect, initiated by the stylistic means of the hyperbola.
Example: Chuck Norris and the hyperbola
Chuck Norris does not eat honey. He chews bees.
The joke is created by the vivid picture of the “bee chewing” and, of course, by the excessive exaggeration. Here, not just a lot of honey is eaten, but whole bees are crushed.
Example: Your mother and the hyperbola
Your mother is really so fat, she’s got her own zip code.
Here too, the joke lies in the strong exaggeration. No man can take such proportions of his own accord. The statement is thereby increased and thereby enormously strengthened.
The hyperbola often works by means of comparisons, whereby a known “experience” is brought about in connection with an impossibility or a strong increase. This makes it exaggerated (“I had to wait infinitely long”)
Furthermore, there are numerous metaphors in hyperbolic formulations, which have to be deciphered and interpreted by the reader. In addition, the litotes are frequently used to form the hyperbola, as these are amplified by the exaggerated attenuation of certain words (→ Litotes).
Further examples of the hyperbola
Finally, we would like to give you some examples of the hyperbola. However, most of them should be familiar with the language usage.
“Oh my dear. I like you to eat. ”
“The waiter in this restaurant is really lightning fast.”
“Wow. What a snail’s temptation you are. ”
“After our trip, I’m really dead tired and want to sleep.”
“Examples are here like sand at sea”
“I have such a bear star, I could eat an elephant.”
“The waiting time with this doctor is really endless.”
Note: Many of such hyperbolas have become sober in the everyday language usage because of their intensity and meaningfulness. As they are known, they lose the surprising effect, which is otherwise the case for the hyperbola.
