Sarcasm is a figure of speech defined as a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression; it is a taunt. They are words that mean the opposite of what they say, intended to humor or to hurt.
It usually works when words are spoken, because they can be said with the proper voice inflection (derisive) and facial expression (dismissive).
Sarcastic comments populate social media today. And they are often misunderstood. If the reader does not know the writer’s political view, he could misinterpret it to mean the opposite.
One such sarcasm was posted by a human rights advocate on socmed, “Let’s kill everyone who disagrees with the administration.”
Immediately, he got responses like, “Now you’re talking!” “Finally you saw the light.” “Yes, the opposition should be massacred.”
She tried to explain, “Hey, I was being sarcastic. My words meant the opposite!” Too late, many thought otherwise.
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| Huh? |
We all know the damage words can do, yet we spew them carelessly in anger. Someone said, “Words are stones, and we are nothing but stone throwers with each word we speak.” Words of beauty are grace, they are treasured, but words of pain are thrown away.
Powerful words jump off the pages of the Bible. Let’s mine the book of Proverbs in choosing the right words to use:
“With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous." (Proverbs 11:9 NLT)
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)
“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” (Proverbs 18:20)
Sarcasm. Must we use it?
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