Are hyperboles true?

[1032004]

I got into an argument about this elsewhere, don’t want to give away my opinion yet but curious of the wrestling community’s opinion.

[Caveira]

2 minutes ago, 1032004 said:

I got into an argument about this elsewhere, don’t want to give away my opinion yet but curious of the wrestling community’s opinion.

Gotta run.  Ai had an interesting take on your question 

So what might Republicans and Democrats say about hyperbole?

Republican View (Generalized)

• Pragmatic exaggeration: Many conservatives embrace "truthful hyperbole" as a legitimate rhetorical style. A famous example is Donald Trump’s own term—coined by his ghostwriter in The Art of the Deal—to describe exaggeration used to emphasize or persuade rather than deceive Wikipedia+1.

• Cultural flair: This style is also rooted in a broader tradition within conservative media and politics—using bold, dramatic rhetoric to captivate audiences or make a point stick WikipediaThe Times of Israel.

Democratic View (Generalized)

• Caution against overuse: Democrats often criticize the use of hyperbole in public discourse, especially when it veers into misinformation or defamation. While hyperbole per se isn’t inherently false, when politicians overstate to the point of misleading, many Democrats raise concerns about truthfulness in civic debate.

• Push for factual clarity: There's typically a stronger emphasis on grounding statements in accuracy and nuance—especially amid concerns over misinformation and "alternative truths"

[1032004]

Why did you have to make it political?  And it doesn’t even answer the question 

[WrestlingRasta]

When you can’t think for yourself

[Caveira]

Just now, WrestlingRasta said:

When you can’t think for yourself

Wanted to get that on to see if opinions align boss.   Call it a scientific experiment. 

Edited 20 hours ago by Caveira

[WrestlingRasta]

Just now, Caveira said:

Wanted to get that on to see if opinions align boss.   

Yes, Of course.  Good work. 
 

[Caveira]

4 minutes ago, WrestlingRasta said:

Yes, Of course.  Good work. 
 

Thank you sir 

[1032004]

8 minutes ago, WrestlingRasta said:

When you can’t think for yourself

I said I already have my opinion, I didn’t want to influence anyone’s answer.

What I was most surprised in the other debate I had about this was that it was even a debate at all, I thought the answer was obvious.

Edited 20 hours ago by 1032004

[WrestlingRasta]

9 minutes ago, 1032004 said:

I said I already have my opinion, I didn’t want to influence anyone’s answer.

What I was most surprised in the other debate I had about this was that it was even a debate at all, I thought the answer was obvious.

I wasn't talking about you

[1032004]

Just now, WrestlingRasta said:

I wasn't talking about you

Gotcha, my apologies 

[TylerDurden]

57 minutes ago, 1032004 said:

I got into an argument about this elsewhere, don’t want to give away my opinion yet but curious of the wrestling community’s opinion.

By definition, hyperbolic statements aren't true or meant to be taken as such. 

My guess is this thread will be full of a million examples of things that aren't hyperbole being presented as hyperbole. 

[Offthemat]

Are hyperboles true?
 

Understanding the root hyper should be an indication. 

[El Luchador]

Generally speaking, no. I'm with Tyler. 

[El Luchador]

BTW I've tried to make Polls and they wouldn't post? What is the trick?

[Gene Mills Fan]

an exaggeration of the truth

[Husker_Du]

what an idiotic opening post.

are lies true? jfc

[ionel]

2 hours ago, 1032004 said:

I got into an argument about this elsewhere, don’t want to give away my opinion yet but curious of the wrestling community’s opinion.

If it's a rv hyperbole then 110% true. 

[wrestlingguy]

48 minutes ago, ionel said:

If it's a rv hyperbole then 110% true. 

Literally every time I see an overweight neck beard incel ranting about the "evil republicans" I think to myself, I wonder if that is RV in the flesh.

[1032004]

1 hour ago, El Luchador said:

BTW I've tried to make Polls and they wouldn't post? What is the trick?

I did get an error message once or twice but just pressed submit a couple more times 

[1032004]

1 hour ago, Husker_Du said:

what an idiotic opening post.

are lies true? jfc

Shall I put you down for “no” then?

[Gene Mills Fan]

although a hyperbole made directly in characterization of someone, contested or made in a public court or hearing; that could be slander.

[Lipdrag]

19 hours ago, Offthemat said:

Are hyperboles true?
 

Understanding the root hyper should be an indication. 

Big boles?

Yeah.  True.

[Lipdrag]

20 hours ago, Caveira said:

Gotta run.  Ai had an interesting take on your question 

 

So what might Republicans and Democrats say about hyperbole?

Republican View (Generalized)

• Pragmatic exaggeration: Many conservatives embrace "truthful hyperbole" as a legitimate rhetorical style. A famous example is Donald Trump’s own term—coined by his ghostwriter in The Art of the Deal—to describe exaggeration used to emphasize or persuade rather than deceive Wikipedia+1.

• Cultural flair: This style is also rooted in a broader tradition within conservative media and politics—using bold, dramatic rhetoric to captivate audiences or make a point stick WikipediaThe Times of Israel.

Democratic View (Generalized)

• Caution against overuse: Democrats often criticize the use of hyperbole in public discourse, especially when it veers into misinformation or defamation. While hyperbole per se isn’t inherently false, when politicians overstate to the point of misleading, many Democrats raise concerns about truthfulness in civic debate.

• Push for factual clarity: There's typically a stronger emphasis on grounding statements in accuracy and nuance—especially amid concerns over misinformation and "alternative truths"

I find the discussion of the use of hyperbole much more interesting than the poll - which is unanswerable.  It is the same as asking, "is fiction just lying?"  Of course all fiction is lying in the strictest sense of the word.  Aesop's fables are all lies.  Whether the writer and reader agree ahead of time to allow the lying does not negate the fact that it is lying.  Telling your 90 year old mother she looks great is hyperbole and lying unless you add .". . . compared to all the dead 90 year olds (very weird wording in retrospect) and how you looked the day you got out of surgery and compared to how I expected you to look today".  All of that "truth" is not helpful but required to say to be the most perfectly honest person.

A much more interesting question is when does hyperbole destroy your own credibility?

Now, on the Rep/Dem take by AI - I found it interesting although I think AI is not counting the leftie hyperbolic tendency to call anyone who disagrees with them Hitler, Nazis, Fascists, Phobics, Ists, etc.  This is hyperbole.  Does it help make the lefties' point and change the behavior of the person they are hyperbolicly describing?  No.  It simply demonizes, entrenches positions, and is a lie when used for this purpose.

My take is that hyperbole can be a useful shortcut to make a point or argument but it must be used gently if you intend to reach a mutually agreeable (or equally mildly distasteful but at least acceptable) conclusion/negotiation, etc.  If used for this purpose it is not a lie.  

Conclusion - intent and degree matter.