Sarcasm can be hilariously fun or bitterly painful, depending on whether you're the one dishing it out or the one receiving it.
Contrary to popular belief, sarcasm was never meant to be anything but a sharp dagger used to cut through your enemies while you stand victorious as the brilliant and witty polymath that you are.
Yes, there is a difference between sarcasm and mere humor, although sarcasm is often presented in a humorous way.
The word sarcasm comes from the Greek sarkázein, meaning 'to tear flesh.'
If you're a literary nerd like me, I'm sure you appreciate the works of Voltaire, a great example of someone who knew how to effectively employ sarcasm and wit.
If you're not terribly familiar with sarcasm, don't worry, we'll show you the ropes and how to tie them properly.
What is Sarcasm?
Sarcasm is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
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a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain
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a mode of satirical wit depending on its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual
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the use or language of sarcasm
The simplest way to understand sarcasm is to know that tone is the most important aspect. The tone of sarcasm is typically one of hostility or disdain disguised as humor. It's not necessarily about what you say, it's about how you say it.
For example, if I spoke slowly with a genuine, heartfelt tone and complimented one of my colleagues by saying, "You're a genius; a true credit to your field", that is not sarcasm. That is a genuine compliment.
However, if I used a mocking, derisive, humorous tone, I could say the same thing as a sarcastic insult: "You're a genius; a true credit to your field."
Same sentence, different tone.
While sharp, intelligent and witty language can be used when delivering sarcasm, the tone, context and purpose behind how it is said is most important.
Sarcasm can be effectively portrayed in the form of writing as well. Authors use "voice" and "tone" to write in a manner where sarcasm can be distinguished from something written as serious.
Want an example? Here goes.
Sarcasm in 3, 2, 1: Congress, with its infallible wisdom overshadowing the likes of King Solomon, is an assembly of our nation's finest and brightest individuals.
See what I did there? An insult in the form of a compliment. Pretty fun, right?!
Another great thing about sarcasm is that it exists on a spectrum. Subtle sarcasm is used to mildly annoy, offend or irritate, while heavy sarcasm is a full swing of the battle axe meant to sever the heads of your enemies.
You can use sarcasm however you like. However, sarcasm is a careful art form, and the masters know how to use it better than any weapon ever conceived.
But we'll get into that later.
First, let's look at what sarcasm says about a person.
What Does Sarcasm Say About a Person?
If you're sarcastic all the time, chances are people will think you're an asshole. With that being said...
If you're good at using sarcasm and others agree that you are a master of your craft, then your intelligence level is likely higher than the average person's.
Yes, people who use sarcasm are generally smarter than people who can't figure out how to use it properly. Humor is a sign of intelligence.
Moreover, people who use sarcasm are generally more classy and sophisticated than people who don't use it.
Intellectuals, philosophers, sapiosexuals, writers, academics, and geniuses throughout the ages have celebrated the theater of sarcasm and satire. It is not a game so easily played by the masses.
If an astute lady or gentleman is offended, they may retaliate with sarcasm. Their "compliments" tear into the flesh of their rivals, mocking them and humiliating them.
Whereas the slack-jawed yokel, fit for an episode of Jerry Springer, spews out a barrage of crass insults and profanities and starts swinging his fists in rage.
Do you see the difference?
Now let's get into how to use sarcasm as a weapon.
How to Use Sarcasm as a Weapon
The cool thing about sarcasm is that it's both a weapon and a shield. You can insult someone with a sarcastic compliment and then just deny that it was sarcasm. "I really meant it!"
You're well-protected when using sarcasm.
As such, some critics have scorned the use of sarcasm, calling it unfair, passive-aggressive, and even cheap, because when done effectively, no real harm can befall the aggressor.
Similar to sarcasm, writers can insult and offend under the banner of satire, causing optimal damage, then retreating, claiming it was "just humor."
Well, okay then.
The critics may have a point, but they're forgetting one thing: sarcasm and satire are smart tactics to use, regardless of how they are criticized.
Voltaire knew this very well.
If you can dash your enemies to pieces while you remain unscathed, then why not use it? Why use weapons that backfire or cause damage to your own house?
To use sarcasm as an effective weapon, you must first sharpen your sword. Learn how to use it by reading satire, literary critiques or listening to intelligent comedians like George Carlin.
Once you have a good understanding of what sarcasm is and how to use it, go slowly at first. Start with a .22 revolver, not a Franchi SPAS-12.
Practice with your friends and family.
If your friend's band sucks and you're tired of lying to them about how awesome they are, use sarcasm to insult them.
Don't angrily shout, "Okay, that's enough! You guys suck! You're never going to go anywhere with this crap!"
That'll just make you look like a moron.
Instead, diplomatically and sarcastically say, "Wow, guys, that was amazing. You're gonna get soooo many hot chicks when you go platinum."
Yes, they'll be offended. They'll probably feel like they got punched in the gut. But you had to do what you had to do, and you did it the fun way: with sarcasm!
Sarcasm is offense and defense at the same time, like Krav Maga.
Sarcasm is awesome.
The Bottom Line
Sarcasm is an enjoyable art form that can be used to mildly offend or devastate your rivals and opposition.
A game of wit, sarcasm is a tactic used principally by intellectuals like authors, literary critics, philosophers, comedy writers, and so on.
While it may take years to master your craft, the weapon of sarcasm can be the most powerful in your arsenal.
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