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

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  “I’m melting”: Used when feeling extremely hot.


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  This bag "weighs a ton”: Describes something very heavy.


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  “As old as dirt”: Refers to someone or something extremely old.


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  “My mouth was on fire”: Indicates eating very spicy food.

Losing Body Parts (Metaphorically!)

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  “Cry your eyes out”: Feeling extreme sadness.


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  “Laugh your head off”: Laughing uncontrollably.


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  “Dance your feet off”: Dancing with great energy.


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  “Sing your heart out”: Singing with passion and volume.

More Common Hyperboles

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  “Bored to death”: Extremely bored, as Mara describes watching football.


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  “Floating on air”: Feeling extremely happy, such as discovering you’re going to be a grandparent.


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  “So angry you could explode”: Expressing intense frustration.


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  “Tastes like heaven on earth”: Describing an exceptionally delicious dessert.


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  “In your wildest dreams”: Imagining something extraordinary, like meeting Jane Austen.


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  “Speechless”: Amazed or overwhelmed, often by a breathtaking experience.


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  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

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