hype
UK[haɪp]US[haɪp]
n
excited or exaggerated publicity or promotion.
v
to promote or publicize (a product, idea, etc.) intensively, often exaggerating its importance or quality.
Etymology
the word "hype" has a fascinating journey from medical slang to mainstream marketing terminology. it originated in the early 20th century as american slang, a shortened form of "hypodermic," referring to the injection of drugs. from "hypo," meaning a drug addict, it developed into the verb "to hype," meaning to stimulate or excite someone, as if by a drug injection. by the 1960s, this sense of artificial stimulation was applied to the world of promotion and publicity, giving us the modern meaning of exaggerated or intensive promotion designed to generate excitement.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a shortening of the noun "hypodermic" (syringe), via the slang term "hypo" meaning a drug addict, which evolved into the verb "hype" meaning to stimulate or excite, as if by injection.
Examples
the media hype surrounding the product launch was enormous.
they hired a firm to hype the new movie on social media.
don't believe all the hype; the gadget is actually quite basic.