Why do people say so hungry you can eat a horse?

The phrase "so hungry you could eat a horse" is a hyperbole, meaning an exaggeration used for emphasis. It's a way of expressing extreme hunger in a humorous and relatable way.

Here's why people say it:

* Common Experience: Everyone experiences hunger, and most of us have felt the pangs of being very hungry at some point. This phrase resonates because it captures that feeling in an exaggerated, but easily understood way.

* Humorous Exaggeration: The image of someone eating an entire horse is obviously absurd and funny. This humor makes the phrase memorable and lighthearted, even when used to describe a serious level of hunger.

* Empathy: The phrase also conveys a sense of shared experience. It's a way to connect with someone else who is also hungry, by acknowledging the universal feeling of intense hunger.

While nobody would actually eat a horse, the phrase is a fun and effective way to express a very real feeling.