The sarcasm and irony are stylistic resources used by senders of texts (oral or written) in order to provide greater expression to the stated address.
They are used when the author of the text intends to offer a greater drama to the discourse, using words in its connotative (figurative) sense, in detriment of its real sense, called denotative.
Although they are terms that come close and are often used interchangeably, sarcasm and irony have their peculiarities. Both are closely linked, however, they differ in the intention established by the writer.
For contemporary Brazilian writer Gabito Nunes:
When I use humor as a shield, it’s irony. When I use humor as a weapon, it’s sarcasm .
It is worth remembering that debauchery is another term that is also related to irony and sarcasm. However, it is used in the speech in order to underestimate or embarrass the recipient of the message.
Definition of Sarcasm
Sarcasm is an expressive resource used, above all, with a provocative, malicious and critical sense. In other words, it always presents a provocative, biting and mocking tone, which appeals to humor or laughter.
For some scholars of the subject, sarcasm corresponds to a type of irony with a provocative content.
Example: Your makeup is beautiful, but your face is much more. (Sarcasm)
Definition of Irony
Irony is a figure of thought that expresses the opposite of what the author intends to affirm. Regarding sarcasm, it has a less harsh tone.
This is because it is a contradiction of the literal meaning of words, being used in a more pleasant, subtle way.
Example: Rosana is so smart that she missed all the questions in the exam. (Irony)
Types of Irony
Irony can be classified in three ways:
- Oral irony , which expresses the difference between speech and intention;
- Dramatic or satirical irony , which indicates the difference between expression and understanding;
- Situation irony that corresponds to the difference between the intention and the result of the action.
Curiosity
Sarcasm and irony are two terms from the Greek language. The word sarcasm ( sarkasmós ) means mockery, scorn; while the word irony ( euroneia ) means to disguise, to pretend.