2025-01-08
33 分钟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
In my opinion, people in the United States are dramatic, and one of the ways we express that drama is through hyperboles.
Have you ever heard someone say, I'm so hungry I could eat a horse?
Well, if so, that's a hyperbole.
It's not to be taken literally.
They probably wouldn't actually eat a horse.
It just expresses how extremely hungry they are.
Hyperboles, in general, are figures of speech that involve exaggerated statements and claims that, once again, are not to be taken literally.
They're used to emphasize a point or to evoke strong feelings, such as humor, drama, or enthusiasm.
In today's lesson, my mom, Mara, is on the show as my guest, and together we'll share common hyperboles in English.
First, we'll go through a list of common ones so that you get a good feel for them.
Then we'll chat about life using hyperboles in conversation.
Each question I ask, my mom will use a common hyperbole.
Be sure to check out the episode notes for the cheat sheet of hyperboles used in today's lesson.
And if you would like the premium content for this lesson, which includes the PDF, transcript, quiz, and more, be sure to sign up to season four.
You'll find the link in the episode notes or on the website@americanenglishpodcast.com without further ado, let's begin.
Hi, everybody.
My name is Shauna, and this is the American English Podcast.
My goal here is to teach you the English spoken in the United States through common expressions, pronunciation tips, and interesting cultural snippets or stories.
I hope to keep this fun, useful, and interesting.
Let's do it.