Hyperbole
Hyperbole is an exaggeration to convey a figure of speech. Sometimes, it is used to describe strong feelings or to give an impression. It is not meant to be taken literally. For example, if I was to say: "The backpack weighed a ton."
The books don't really weigh a ton. I am using a hyperbole to emphize that the book weigh a heavy amout. It is not meant to be taken literally.
Hyperboles are comparisons, like similes and metaphors, but are more ridiculous; because of this ridiculousness, hyperboles are usually found in humor. A hyperbole is not commonly used in nonfiction such as medical journals or research papers, but instead used in fictional literature or conversation.
Examples in Literature:
-Babe, the Blue Ox by Paul Bunyan: “Well now, one winter it was so cold that all the geese flew backward and all the fish moved south and even the snow turned blue."
Examples in Conversation:
-I had a ton of homework.
-If I can't buy that new game, I will die.
-He's as skinny as a toothpick