Sarcasm - the Blade Without the Blood!

Oxford defines sarcasm as "the use of irony to mock or convery contempt". It is basically, the usage of cutting and ironical wit meant usually as a form of humour, though it also can be used to insult or injure..and usually a form of communication in which the user meant the very exact opposite of what he says.

e.g-You are sitting in a movie theater and the guy next to you is has just hung up his phone after having been talking loudly for quite some time. You look at him and say "Try talking louder next time. The whole theater didn't hear you this time round".

Used correctly, in the hands of the witty, it serves as a master tool to disarm opponents, charm friends and increase your popularity quotient while you are at it.

But being sarcastic doesn't involve twisting your words to find a more complicated way to say things, nor does it empower you to be extra-ordinarily funny or insulting.

It's really important to understand the true meaning of sarcasm and how it works!

Do keep it mind that sarcasm is not something you acquire by studying, but if you do have that skill within you, you can definietly inculcate it to gigantic proportions, to great benefit.

Sarcasm, though a adjunct to irony, still has its many differences from irony!

Irony can't be invented or created in day to day life and you also can't be ironical when you desire to. Sarcasm, however can be created and modified according to need and requirement. It can also be called upon to your aid whenever you require its assistance.

Some common examples of sarcasm include :

To a guy in your office who has explained something to you - "Hey dude, that really helped.Now your idea is as clear as a pool of mud"

Or,maybe - "I got that straight boss. Straight as a coiled rattlesnake."

Or you are throwing an outdoor party..and it starts to rain. Your friend comes up to you and says "Great weather,huh"?You reply.."Yeah..couldn't have asked for better"

All these are very basic, very simple examples of what you can be using sarcasm for. Although it is a form of communication which is abstract, it is also very versatile and can be moulded for just about any usage..also for objectives like overstating the obvious etc.

Hope this article helps.

Yeeahh....RIGHT! (sarcasm intended) ;-)