Exaggeration

When we overstate or overemphasize a point that is a crucial step in a piece of reasoning, then we are guilty of the fallacy of exaggeration. This is a kind of error called Lack of Proportion.

Example:

She's practically admitted that she intentionally yelled at that student while on the playground in the fourth grade. That's assault. Then she said nothing when the teacher asked, "Who did that?" That's lying, plain and simple. Do you want to elect as secretary of this society someone who is a known liar prone to assault? Doing so would be a disgrace to the Collie Society.

When we exaggerate in order to make a joke, though, we aren't guilty of the fallacy.