Why do so many people misunderstand the concept of irony? How ironic is that?

[ApeShapeDeity]

Irony is NOT THE SAME AS SARCASM!!!

Ok, we all know Alanis Morissette doesn't get it. Case in point, her song 'Isn't it ironic?'.


Even the dictionary definitions are lacking. They imply sarcasm.

Cambridge:
irony noun ( TYPE OF SPEECH ) /ˈaɪə .rə.ni//ˈaɪ-/ n a means of expression which suggests a different, usually humorous or angry, meaning for the words used
Her voice heavy with irony, Simone said, "We're so pleased you were able to stay so long." (= Her voice made it obvious they were not pleased).
Compare: sarcasm

Oxford:
irony1
?the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Perhaps, the problem is just that irony is just too big a concept for a short definition. This is better...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony

Yeah, and American's never get it! *Ducks the flames* It's a joke, it's a joke, it's a joke!!!

 

[Agayek]

It's mostly because the actual definition of the word irony is in the process of transitioning from the latter, "more proper" definition to the significantly more common meaning.

That's how languages grow and evolve, so there's no way you're going to stop it, no matter how annoyed you get about it.

 

[sheic99]

Verbal Irony is sarcasm. Now if we're talking about the other 2 forms, then yes you have an argument.

 

[ParadiseOnceLost]

Spoiler: This is the only defenition of irony you will ever need

I don't know why it is so hard for some people since I never had any problems identifying irony.

 

[Dango]

Bender describes it best. I will probably be ninjad but i don't care.
Like a fire truck on fire.

It took me a while to realize that he's actually defining sarcasm, which in itself is ironic, but it just makes love Futurama even more.

 

[ApeShapeDeity]

It took me a while to realize that he's actually defining sarcasm, which in itself is ironic, but it just makes love Futurama even more.

LAWYER'D

Thank-you!

 

[Cyberjester]

Their meanings are fairly similar, so much so I'd define sarcasm with the definition given in OP post.

I'd call irony, more.. Ironic. Like the traffic planner stuck in a traffic jam on his way to a seminar on traffic planning. Great vid that