hyperboliselle

Hyperboliselle is a term used in rhetorical analysis to describe the smallest unit of deliberate exaggeration in micro-narratives. It commonly appears in short-form digital communication—such as social media posts, captions, and memes—where readers infer a hyperbolic intent from a compact phrase.

Etymology and concept: The coinage blends hyperbole with the diminutive suffix -selle, signaling a miniature, self-contained device. As a unit, a hyperboliselle operates within a single utterance or caption and does not require extension into a longer trope.

Characteristics: A hyperboliselle typically features a strong intensifier, a clearly exaggerated claim, and a link to a mundane subject. Its impact relies on brevity, immediacy, and shared cultural context; readers recognize the exaggeration at a glance.

Usage and effects: In digital rhetoric research, hyperboliselles are analyzed for communicative efficiency, virality potential, and perceived credibility. They can heighten emotional engagement and humor, but may also contribute to misperceptions if used without caution.

History and reception: The term is a contemporary coinage used in academic discussions and online discourse to model micro-exaggeration. It has not become a standard category in established linguistic reference works, and usage varies by author.

See also: hyperbole, digital rhetoric, microcopy, rhetoric in social media.