What's a word for exaggerations of "worst, best, least, most, etc."?

Question

I'm trying to recall a word used to describe cases of hyperbole where a speaker refers to a given subject as the ultimate example of something.

For example, President Trump stated, "I am the least racist person you've ever interviewed" to a reporter recently.

Or if a student were to state, "I am the most open-minded person you will ever meet in your entire life."

Thanks!

Why is hyperbole insufficient? Or are you asking whether there is a special term for hyperbole that only uses superlatives? — KarlG, Jan 23 '18 at 11:02
Yes, that's exactly what I'm looking for! On second thought, could the term 'superlative' be used to imply a sense of exaggeration? Thanks! — Alec, Jan 23 '18 at 11:10
Close enough in my opinion to Is there a single word for "one who speaks/boasts a lot about everything"? to be regarded as a duplicate. 'Braggadocio', for instance, is given there. If KarlG's comment is binding, however, then I strongly suspect this is another wild goose chase. — Edwin Ashworth, Jan 23 '18 at 11:20

terry-s · Answer 1 · 2018-01-23T11:26:30.953

0

Your examples are cases not simply of hyperbole, but of hyperbole applied in a personally boastful way. This used to be described sometimes by the borrowed word 'braggadocio', implying that the bragging and boasting was excessive and flamboyant, and (almost needless to say) beyond any truth -- a meaning that is confirmed e.g. by Merriam Webster, as "empty boasting, arrogant pretension".

edited Jan 23 '18 at 11:26

answered Jan 23 '18 at 11:04

terry-s

101

@NigelJ it's a fairly common word, maybe you could google it yourself, or just use this link. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/braggadocio – Max Williams Jan 23 '18 at 11:17

What's a word for exaggerations of "worst, best, least, most, etc."?

1 Answers1