Hype
/haɪp/noun
Intense or exaggerated publicity, promotion, or excitement surrounding someone or something.
Did you know?The exact origin is disputed: “hype” may be a shortening of “hyperbole,” while American slang also connected “hyping” with injecting drugs or aggressively promoting something.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*uper
“Over, above, or beyond; the ancient root associated with the later prefix hyper-.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
hyper
“Over, beyond, or excessively; a source of English words describing something amplified or extreme.”
16th Century
English
hyperbole
“A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration; literally, an overshooting or going beyond.”
Early 20th Century
American English slang
hype
“Possibly a shortened form of hyperbole; alternatively associated with “hypodermic” and aggressive promotional or drug-related slang.”
1950s
English
hype
“Exaggerated publicity or promotion, especially in entertainment and advertising.”
Modern English
English
hype
“Publicity, excitement, or inflated claims intended to generate attention and enthusiasm.”
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