Definition & Examples of Sarcasm You Should Know

Last Updated on October 5, 2021

What is Sarcasm? To help you understand what this literary device is and how it is used, this article provides detailed guidance on definitions and examples of Sarcasm, and how it can be used in a sentence.

Definition of Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that mocks, ridicules, or expresses contempt. It’s really more a tone of voice than a rhetorical device. You’re saying the opposite of what you mean (verbal irony) and doing it in a, particularly hostile tone.

Sarcasm generally takes the form of an ironic remark, somewhat rooted in humor, that is intended to mock or satirize something. When a speaker is being sarcastic, they are saying something different than what they actually mean.

As a literary device, sarcasm can convey a writer and/or character’s true feelings of frustration, anger, and even derision, though veiled by the presence of humor and wording that is inconsistent with what is intended. However, since sarcastic statements, as they are worded, contradict the speaker’s intent and true meaning, it can be difficult for writers to effectively utilize this literary device without proper context or tone.

The Importance of Sarcasm

Because it’s a tone rather than a rhetorical fact, sarcasm by definition can only be used in dialogue. It would describe the way that one character talks to another. This can have all kinds of effects, but generally, it shows that the speaker is being impatient or contemptuous. It’s also a sign of disrespect toward the person being addressed, so the use of sarcasm can provide clues as to the relationship between the two characters.

The broader category of verbal irony has other uses, but sarcasm, in particular, is purely a quality of a character’s speech, and therefore its function is to reveal aspects of that character’s personality.

Common Examples of Sarcasm

People utilize sarcasm in everyday speech as well as writing. The purpose of sarcastic comments is often to express feelings of frustration, anger, or distaste through stating one idea but meaning another, as well as moderating the statement with humor. Here are some common examples of sarcasm that you might hear in everyday speech:

• Zombies eat brains. You’re safe.
• Ugliness can be fixed, stupidity is forever.
• You are depriving some village of their idiot.
• Did somebody write “stupid” on my forehead?
• I’m sorry–did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?
• Ok, Boomer.
• ask me if I care.
• I’m not insulting you. I’m just describing you.
• Aim at nothing–you’ll hit it every time.
• I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.

Examples of Witty Sarcasm

Many writers are known for their blend of sarcasm and wit. Here are some examples of witty sarcasm:

• I require only three things in a man: he must be handsome, ruthless, and stupid. (Dorothy Parker)
• It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt. (Mark Twain)
• Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence. (Oscar Wilde)
• Propaganda is amazing. People can be led to believe anything. (Alice Walker)
• Because tanning and steroids are only a problem if you plan to live a long time. Because the only difference between suicide and martyrdom really is the amount of press coverage. (Chuck Palahniuk)
• True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops. (William Goldman)
• Everywhere I go I’m asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don’t stifle enough of them. There’s many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher. (Flannery O’Connor)
• Stop worrying about growing old. And think about growing up. (Philip Roth)
• There are times when parenthood seems nothing more than feeding the hand that bites you. (Peter De Vries)
• Benevolent, philanthropic man! It was painful to him even to keep a third cousin to himself. (Jane Austen)

Famous Examples of Sarcastic Movie Lines

Sarcasm is often effectively used as a cinematic device in the form of “comebacks” or “one-liners” to create memorable and dramatic moments. Here are some famous examples of sarcasm in movie lines:

• When I was your age, television was called books. (The Princess Bride)
• I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored. (Wayne’s World)
• Give me a scotch. I’m starving. (Iron Man)
• So, I was sitting in my cubicle today and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it. So, that means that every single day that you see me, that’s on the worst day of my life. (Office Space)
• One day you’re gonna be nice to me. We may both be dead and buried, but you’re gonna be nice – at least civil. (Do the Right Thing)
• The nicest thing I can say about her is all her tattoos are spelled correctly. (Steel Magnolias)
• Aunt Clara had for years labored under the delusion that I was not only perpetually 4 years old, but also a girl. (A Christmas Story)
• I want to die a natural death at the age of 102—like the city of Detroit. (Deadpool)
• I have great insight. I’d use it on myself only I don’t have any problems. (Music and Lyrics)
• These pajamas are fancier than any of my real clothes. (Crazy Rich Asians)

Difference Between Sarcasm and Verbal Irony

Though it can appear difficult to determine the difference between verbal irony and sarcasm, they can be distinguished from each other. Both are literary devices that are based on reader or audience expectations. Verbal irony takes place when a speaker says the opposite of what they mean, which violates expectations on some level. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony in that it takes place as well when a speaker says something different than what they mean.

However, the intention of sarcasm is different than verbal irony. Sarcasm indicates a deliberate intention to mock, satirize, or otherwise poke fun at something. Verbal irony often generates subtle, gentle humor. The outcome of sarcasm is closer to explicit criticism, direct antagonism, and occasionally intentional verbal hurt or shame.

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