When you mock people and are sarcastic how does it feel? Good?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by TracySam

People seem to confuse "sarcasm" with "being mean" or "caustic humor."

I use sarcastic humor all the time, but it's never in a way that attacks or mocks anyone. I also love quick, wry, smart sarcasm when I see others do it well.

Yes, people can also use sarcastic comments to put someone down, but that's only one way of using sarcasm, and it's not the most creative way, or a way I respect. When people hurt others with sarcasm, I don't admire it. But when people use sarcasm the way I do, I really respect them, knowing that their mind operates in a way I can relate to.

Technically, sarcasm is making a point by saying or writing something that's seemingly the opposite of what you mean. But loosely, "sarcasm" has come to describe all sorts of satirical communication. But the key idea here is satire, not cruelty.

So going by the most technical definition of sarcasm, some cruel examples would be:
"Wow, what an awesome outfit! I just love those Walmart fashions."
"Right Sherlock, your powers of deduction never cease to amaze me."
"I just LOVE when you come bother me with your useless problems."


But non-cruel examples, like I use every day might be:
"Hey everyone we have another State audit coming up next week. You know my motto: better living through government intrusion!"
"I just had the exquisite pleasure of meeting with Mrs XYZ this morning and hearing about more of her complaints about our staff."
"Yes, the IT Director can come up to work on my computer this afternoon, but not in the morning-- I'll be way too busy surfing for porn." (note: the sarcasm is evident when you know that I'm the compliance officer)



But just making a wise crack to put someone down is not necessarily "sarcasm" unless you're using some kind of "opposite" statement. I think too many people just think "sarcasm" means caustic humor. It gives sarcasm, which is really an art form, a bad name.

I don't think you understand the definition of sarcasm, which is really humor for halfwits. Sarcasm is not irony, and irony is not sarcasm.

[Huckleberry3911948]

it does not take much to make some people feel mocked.
not much at all.

[sade693]

I agree, Huckleberry. People are so darn sensitive and quick to go on the defensive.

[TheShadow]

Originally Posted by Rayah(812)

You never know what might strike a nerve with some people--I have made that mistake before while getting too comfortable with others.

This is something that happens, and you can seriously put your foot in your mouth with this kind of humor. Once someone in a large group of singles made a joke about us all probably dying alone and being eaten by our own cats. Unfortunately she didn't realize this had happened to the family member of someone in the group. Same goes for jokes about cancer, or things that celebrities are going through. You never know if someone in the group might be hurt or offended by such humor if they, or a family member, are having issues in that area.

I am super sarcastic with the family and close friends, but I try to keep it down amongst co-workers, acquaintances, and strangers.

[Thursday007]

My whole family is mocking and sarcastic in a funny way and you'd have to play along and be able to laugh at yourself.

Example: When my parents divorced my dad gave my mother all this fancy middle eastern ugly ass furniture from the formal living room. It was hideous. My younger brother said if robbers ever came to the house they would probably unload stuff from their truck and leave it. My mother laughed.

It was my birthday and we were all at my apartment at the time and we were lighting the candles and my other brother said in front of my mother, 'For mom's birthday we're getting her the Joan of Arc cake - it sets itself on fire." Because we all tease her about being a martyr. She laughed and she's been known to throw out some zingers of her own.

Of course discourse like this is reserved for people who toss it out as well.

The other use for it is for people who repeatedly, smugly and ignorantly say (or post in here) the same crap even after being corrected over and over and they think they are just funny brilliant. After a while, positive comments and advice fall on deaf ears and one resorts to mocking sarcasm

[ABQConvict]

I have no problen with sarcasm and mockery as a social instrument, however those who can dish it out, but can't take it, or those who don't realize when they are going to far and actually insulting another person should review whether they are execising a type of humor, or intending to harm those they mock.

[Nanny Goat]

Mild sarcasm is kinda funny, but when it goes beyond a point, it can just be a veiled way to insult someone. Kinda depends on what's said. As a constant way of interacting--see a therapist!