Hyperbolethe

Hyperbolethe is a coined term used in discussions of rhetorical analysis to describe a style of discourse that blends extreme exaggeration with mythic or enigmatic framing. It is primarily mentioned in analyses of contemporary media and online rhetoric, where sensational claims are presented as timeless or universal, yet accompanied by vague specifics.

Etymology and concept: The name combines hyper- (over, excessive) with Lethe, the river of forgetfulness in Greek myth, to suggest a rhetorical effect that overwhelms critical memory with flamboyant claims. Hyperbolethe is often described as a strategy to make details fade while embedding a narrative as memorable, emotionally resonant, and easy to recall.

Characteristics: Typical features include persistent hyperbole; mythic or cryptic framing that invites interpretation rather than rigorous scrutiny; selective attribution or quotation to lend authority; emotive or cinematic language; and a degree of vagueness that allows multiple audiences to fill in gaps, aiding diffusion across platforms and communities.

Usage and criticism: Hyperbolethe is not a widely recognized category in mainstream rhetorical theory. Some scholars see it as a useful, if provisional, lens for examining certain strands of online discourse and political messaging. Others argue that the term is too vague or overlapping with established concepts such as hyperbole, mythmaking, and propaganda, and caution against overgeneralization.

See also: hyperbole, mythmaking, propaganda, Lethe.