October is National Sarcastic Awareness Month, but people use sarcasm every day of the year. How often are you sarcastic?
hooray for sarcasm, Byron Villegas, flicker
What is sarcasm?
Sarcasm, according to the dictionary, is harsh or bitter derision. It is irony or the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.
When used the right way, sarcasm can be a form of art. The way it is said, the tone of voice used, and even the facial expression when it is said has a lot to do with the way the sarcastic remark is received. Though there are people who intentionally use sarcasm to hurt those around them, I really don’t believe it should be used in such a manner. Sarcasm should be used to bring laughter to an otherwise horrible situation. Its entertainment value is priceless. People such as Groucho Marx have found fame by using it. Comedians like Bill Murray and Ron White successfully use sarcasm to make people laugh.
Groucho Marx, public domain
Some Examples of Sarcastic Remarks
I’m trying to imagine you with a personality.
Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
Earth is full. Go home.
I started out with nothing and still have most of it left.
Back off! You’re standing in my aura.
Not all men are annoying. Some are dead.
Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.
Make yourself at home! Clean my kitchen.
If I want to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, I’ll put shoes on my cat.
Mark Twain, by sfjalar, flickr
Sarcastic Quotes by Famous People
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” – Oscar Wilde
“I never forget a face, but in your case I’ll be glad to make an exception.” – Groucho Marx
“Weather forecast for tonight: dark.” – George Carlin
“You see, money’s not everything in life is it? But it keeps you in touch with your children…” – Johnnie Casson
“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.” – Lily Tomlin
“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain
“I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.” – Fred Allen
“Children really brighten up a household – they never turn the lights off.” – Ralph Bus
irony mark, wikimedia commons
Using Punctuation to Indicate Sarcasm
Just so you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, there are punctuation marks you can use to let others know for sure that you are being sarcastic. What are they?
A snark is a mysterious, imaginary animal. When used as a punctuation mark though, the snark indicates that there is another meaning to what you are reading hidden beneath the surface. It is also known as a percontation point or the irony mark.
The ironieteken mark is also used to express irony. Unfortunately, this punctuation mark that has fallen out of use bears an uncanny resemblance to the Nazi swastika. Could that possibly have to do with its downfall?
an owl writing clip art, clipartpanda
The sarcmark is used to indicate a sarcastic phrase, sentence, or message. This punctuation mark demands equal rights for sarcasm. Will it hang around long enough to see its demands met?
Note: Since these punctuation marks aren’t commonly used, they should only be used when texting or messaging people. If you keep a journal or diary, you could put these nonstandard punctuation marks to good use in it. I don’t believe they would be acceptable in works of fiction or nonfiction.
How to celebrate National Sarcastic Awareness Month
How could one celebrate such an unusual thing?
See how many sarcastic sayings you can create.
Listen to some comedians who use sarcasm as part of their act.
writing, pixabay
Investigate and find out how punctuation marks that indicate sarcasm came into being.
Writing prompts
For a children’s book, create a land where the only punctuation marks in use are those that indicate sarcasm. How would one be serious in such a land?
For a book for older people, you could write a story with a character that has a sarcastic remark come out of his mouth every time it opens. Is it possible for this person to always be sarcastic in a nice way?
Recommended Article: All Caps, Multiple Exclamation Points, & the Interrobang
