Irony vs. Sarcasm
Because I have a pedantic side, please bear with me whilst I get this off my chest: let’s set the record straight on the difference between sarcasm and irony.
Sarcasm is a remark intended to hurt someone, an insult.
Irony is a remark that says one thing on the surface, but given the context, conveys another contrasting idea.
That’s it, simple as that. Forget any definition of sarcasm that contradicts what I just said because it’s wrong. I’ll give you a moment to purge your memory of all heretical definitions—
As you and your friend walk out of the theater, if your friend slips on some ice and exclaims “I love New York in the winter!”, your friend is being ironic: saying one thing and meaning another.
If your friend sees a hated ex-lover getting out of a taxi with a new love and yells “Jane, you ignorant slut!”, then your friend is being sarcastic: intending to hurt someone.
If you had just seen the premier of Fool’s Gold, and Kate Hudson is within earshot when your friend says “Well, that was an evening well spent!”, your friend is being both ironic and sarcastic: saying one thing while meaning another and also trying to insult poor Ms. Hudson.
I’m glad we could get that straightened out.
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February 27, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
The title suggests that these two might one day no battle … like Mothra vs. Mecha-godzilla. These really are my two favorite monsters in the fight — irony and sarcasm I mean. These days gentlemen don’t duel with guns and swords so we have irony and sarcasm.
Choose your weapons gentlemen. I’ll take one of each.
February 27, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Perhaps I should have titled it “Irony vis-Ã -vis Sarcasm” but I think that would exceed my pedantry quotient.
February 27, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
I remember when irony was sooo cool, back when I was 16. It becomes quickly tiresome if laid on too thick. Sarcasm is usually witless, an all-too-easy dodge that keeps people at a comfortable distance.
February 27, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
Yes, tiresome, witless, convenient dodge … do I sense some irony colored with a bit of sarcasm here?
To the last man standing dear sir!
February 27, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
You cut me to the quick to suggest such a thing!
February 29, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
oh no, JB, was this a dig at my meme?
February 29, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
If you’re referring to your post in response to SML’s meme, then not at all. For all I know, the mention of sarcasm may have been the unconscious trigger that got me thinking about it, but I don’t know. Believe me, there are plenty of offenders out there to trigger my pedantry. I’m like a bomb just waiting to go off. Don’t get me started on then vs. than. I really ought to get a life.