Dictionary.com gives several definitions of this word: A figure of speech in which the expression is an evident exaggeration of the meaning intended to be conveyed, or by which things are represented as much greater or less, better or worse, than they really are; a statement exaggerated fancifully, through excitement, or for effect.

I got an email from a friend this morning - here’s a snippet:

It just struck me as noteworthy, when I read your last post. The harshness of the phrase “well, screw it.” in juxtapostion with the verse from Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Not that you should take offence, and I’m not “rebuking” you. I’m not even saying its wrong. It just seemed a bit incongruous.

It was hyperbole, that’s all. Yeah, it does seem pretty, er, contradictory when facing the verse I put up for the next couple weeks, but the post was written during a moment of frustration.

And if I sound defensive of what I posted…well, scr– Oh, nevermind. (Heh.)