Sarcasm

What is sarcasm?

Sarcasm is a way (usually spoken) to hurt or belittle others by being mean.

It is usually done by using irony or understatement (or saying things that are obviously not true).

Note on sarcasm

Sarcasm is usually done when speaking. It is very difficult for people to notice sarcasm in written English.

Examples

Sarcasm exampleMeaning
Thanks, EinsteinYou’re an idiot. What you said was stupid.
What a lovely dayThe weather is terrible
Hmm, she’s a real lookerShe’s ugly
Yeah, Dave, don’t work too hardDave, you’re being lazy. Do some work.
This class is so fun I think I’m going to dieThis class is so so so boring.