​WORD/PLAY

Hyperbole is a figurative language technique where exaggeration is used to create a strong effect.

The purpose of hyperbole is to create a larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point.

Hyperbole = “hyper”: over 

                     “bole”: to throw  

 

Hyperbole translates roughly to “over throw” or “to throw over.” Like its origins, hyperbole overstates a point or goes a bit too far.

 

"Give me a thousand kisses, then a hundred,
Then another thousand, then a second hundred,
Then still another thousand, then a hundred"

                                                   - Catullus

 

Such sentences usually convey an action or sentiment that is generally not practically or realistically possible - It is not possible to give so many kisses. But the use of hyperbole helps emphasize an emotion - it shows how much he loves a person.