The role of hyperbole in conveying emotionality

The Case of Victim Speech

Bibliographic Data

ID7149938
AuthorsShreyasi Desai (0000-0002-8718-6148, University of Nottingham, corresponding author), Kate Bailey (0000-0003-2735-3765, University of Nottingham), Ruth Filik (0000-0001-9022-8364, University of Nottingham)
Year2025
Volume39
Issue7
Pages1474-1481
Publication date2025-10-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCognition & Emotion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0269-9931 • E-ISSN: 1464-0600
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02699931.2024.2412611
PMID39387148
OpenAlexW4403304341
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited22

emotionality can be perceived negatively. In this study, we examined whether hyperbole impacts perceived emotionality and assessed the extent of this impact on measures of valence, intensity, and appropriateness. Participants were professionals (police officers) or jury-eligible laypersons who rated testimonies containing either hyperbolic or non-hyperbolic expressions. Results suggested that the use of hyperbole increased the perceived emotional intensity of the testimony, but made testimonies appear less emotionally appropriate than non-hyperbolic counterparts. In addition, regardless of the presence of hyperbole, laypersons judged the scenarios to be more unpleasant, and more emotionally intense compared to professionals. Findings suggest discrepancies between hyperbole usage and discourse goals, versus its perception. That is, hyperbole effectively enhances emotionality, but its role in victim speech may come with more caveats than anticipated, particularly when considering the proposed importance of victim emotionality in establishing credibility

Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Emotionality · Hyperbole · Linguistics · Metaphor · Communication · Emotions and Moral Behavior · Humor Studies and Applications · Language, Metaphor, and Cognition · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access