Irony
A gap between what is said or expected and what is meant or happens — split into verbal, dramatic and situational, which locate the gap in three different places.
Full definition of Irony →:: COMPARE ::
IronyvsSarcasm
The short answer
Sarcasm is verbal irony aimed to wound — it requires a target. Verbal irony has no such requirement; it can be affectionate, dry, or purely structural. Sarcasm is almost always ironic; most irony is not sarcastic.
Side by side
| Aspect | Irony | Sarcasm |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a target | No | Yes |
| Intent | Any | To cut |
| Requires a speaker | Not always | Always |
| Can be kind | Yes | Rarely |
What each one means
Sarcasm
Saying the opposite of what you mean, aimed at a person, with intent to wound. Irony's mean cousin — the point is the cut.
Full definition of Sarcasm →