Irony vs. Sarcasm

Have you ever wondered about the differences and similarities between 'irony' and 'sarcasm'? Well, if you wanna find out more, join me.

What Is Their Main Difference?

When we say something when we want to actually indicate the opposite of what we are saying, we are speaking ironically and sarcastically. However, 'irony' is when we mean the exact opposite of what we have just said, but 'sarcasm' has a sense of ridiculing the other person.

Differences

As mentioned above, 'irony' is used when we say something but we mean the exact opposite of what we just said. We have three types of ironies. They are 'situational irony', 'dramatic irony', and 'verbal irony'. Below, we have provided examples for you:

She was my abuser and now she acts as if I hurt her all this time. (Situational irony)

In a situational irony, the result is the exact opposite of what we expected.

While eating chocolate cake she said: 'I wanna starve myself to death today.' (Verbal irony)

In verbal irony, we say something and mean the exact opposite of it.

Warner left Juliette so many love letters, but when she got home, she thought he had forgotten about her. (Dramatic irony)

In a dramatic irony, the audience of a play know something that the characters do not.

'Sarcasm', on the other hand, is more witty and mocking. When we speak sarcastically to someone, we intend to hurt their emotions, so it has a negative sense to it. Check out the examples below:

A : Someone took my pencil today!

B : Well, what did the police say? (Sarcasm)

When someone takes too much time getting ready you say: Was the room on fire?

Here it means that what took you so long? Were you trying to put off fire?

Similarities

As mentioned above, we use either to say something and mean the opposite. Check out the examples below:

How lovely that I lost the last piece of the puzzle. (Verbal irony)

When someone tells you what you already know: Oh my! Your cleverness is astonishing. (Sarcasm)

Are They Interchangeable?

Although 'sarcasm' is a form of verbal irony, they cannot be used interchangeably. 'Sarcasm' is more about the negative tone aimed at mocking someone, whereas, 'irony' is more about playfulness and fun. Compare:

The boy keeps talking, thinking the girl is still living there. The girl has left a long time ago.

This is an examples of dramatic irony.

When someone, who has cheated on you, accuses you of cheating: Oh, seems someone hasn't taken their medication yet!

This one is an example of 'sarcasm'.

Comments

(0)

Share on :