Hyperbole (nadsázka), from a Greek word meaning "excess," is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis.

The opposite is understatement  which represents something as smaller, less intense, or less important than it really is. Can be modest, polite, comedic.

EXAMPLES

Hyperbole

    I've told you to clean your room a million times!

    It was so cold, I saw polar bears wearing hats and jackets.

    When I was young, I had to walk 15 miles to school, uphill, in the snow.

    If I can't buy that perfect prom dress, I'll die!

    The car went faster than the speed of light.

    Her brain is the size of a pea.

Understatements in Everyday Use

    You scrape the entire side of your car. An understatement would be: "It is only a small scratch." (Comedic)

    On the coldest day of the year with record low temperatures an understatement would be: "I might need a jacket today." (Comedic)

    Your team wins the biggest game of the season. An understatement would be: "Yeah, we played pretty well today." (Modest)

    You land your dream job after endless interviews and get offered a generous salary with lots of benefits. An understatement would be: "I am pretty happy with my new job offer." (Modest)

    You are out to dinner with a friend who spills food down the front of her white shirt. An understatement would be: "Really, it's hardly noticeable." (Polite)

    Your friend invites you over to see their new fixer-upper. You are shocked at the poor condition of the house. An understatement would be: "Oh, it will need some fresh paint" (Polite)