Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony used to convey the opposite of what is said. It involves saying something that is intentionally contrary to one’s actual beliefs or feelings, often in a mocking or humorous way. Sarcasm is often characterized by a tone of voice that is dry, cutting, or mocking, and is often used to express disdain, criticism, or contempt for someone or something. For example, if someone says “Great, I just got a parking ticket!” with a sarcastic tone, they likely mean the opposite and are unhappy about the situation. Sarcasm is a common form of communication in many cultures and can be used in a variety of contexts, including humor, criticism, and social commentary.
Sarcasm and irony are both forms of figurative language that involve saying something that is different from, or opposite to, what is meant. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Sarcasm is a form of speech that uses irony to mock or convey contempt. It is often used to criticize or make fun of someone or something. Sarcasm is characterized by a tone of voice that is often exaggerated and usually intended to be humorous or insulting.
Irony, on the other hand, is a broader concept that refers to a situation in which the opposite of what is expected or intended happens. Irony can be situational, dramatic, or verbal. Situational irony occurs when something happens that is the opposite of what is expected, such as a fire station burning down. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, such as in a suspenseful movie. Verbal irony is similar to sarcasm in that it involves saying something different from what is meant, but it is not always intended to be humorous or insulting.
To summarize, sarcasm is a type of verbal irony that is intended to be humorous or insulting, while irony refers to situations where the opposite of what is expected happens.
Benjamin L. Stewart 