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 →:: COMPARE ::
SarcasmvsIrony
The short answer
Irony is a gap between what is said and what is meant. Sarcasm is that gap weaponised at a target. Sarcasm is almost always verbal irony; most irony is not sarcasm.
Side by side
| Aspect | Sarcasm | Irony |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a target | Yes | No |
| Intent | To wound | Any |
| Can be affectionate | Rarely | Often |
| Relationship | A subtype | The category |
What each one means
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 →