The Workings of Sarcasm and Satire

In two recent posts, I touched on both nonverbal and verbal types of formal humor. In this one, I continue our review of the latter category by discussing two styles of humor seen quite regularly in certain cultures: sarcasm and satire.

In some societies, sarcasm (especially) and satire are both used in informal, impromptu humor. Not surprisingly, they are readily found in formal humor as well. Both highlight vulnerabilities using ridicule, mockery, or insult by couching them in false praise or by seemingly embracing what appears to be an obvious failing. Both forms are grounded in deception, and for this reason, the audience must be aware of the humorist’s true feelings to understand the derisive message behind his or her words or actions.

What Is Sarcasm?

Sarcastic remarks are those that appear favorable or affirming (or at the very least neutral) on their face; however, informed observers understand them to have, in reality, quite negative connotations. If your friend attempts to bolster her status by means of a problematic, illegal, or dangerous course of action, you might reply sarcastically, “Oh. That sounds like a swell idea” or “I’ve always been curious how I’d look in prison clothing.” The intonation may help to indicate your reply as disingenuous, or the statement itself may be quite unlikely to ring true, but there must nevertheless be some recognition on your audience’s part that the words uttered are in opposition to your true feelings or intent. In this example, they must understand that you believe the idea is decidedly not “swell,” nor do you have any desire to see yourself in prison garb. The proposed course of action, and its architect, would both be judged as foolish, or worse, without you actually saying as much. Your friend’s sought-after rise in status is thus negated, and any laughter (an expression of mutual vulnerability) would affirm that readjustment.

What Is Satire?

Satirists adopt the persona of known individuals, feigning sympathy to them and their viewpoints as part of an attempt to demonstrate their alleged faults. Targets of the satirist’s jibes are often those whose influence has become, in the satirist’s opinion, overly persuasive and even dangerous. For this reason, satire outside one’s immediate circle of acquaintances usually takes aim at political and religious leaders, social elite, business tycoons, and otherwise famous or infamous high-profile individuals. They may have gained notoriety by means other than hard work, good deeds, or intellectual contributions to the culture as a whole. In pointing out, however indirectly, their undeserved higher status, the audience will typically respond with scornful "lowering laughter."

Source: Samson Katt/Pexels

Of course, this isn’t the only dynamic in which satire is used. Well-loved and respected personalities also find themselves targeted by some humorists, for these are individuals that audiences would deem especially deserving of supporting "lifting laughter." It may be the case, too, that the humorist herself will prompt the audience’s lifting laughter as she lightheartedly assails someone held in high regard and demonstrates her own misconceptions, poor judgment, or frustrations.

Perhaps Not the Best Way to Make Friends

When sarcasm and satire are properly recognized, they are understood as being, at least in appearance, antagonistic at their root. Yes, sarcasm can be used among endeared family members and close friends, but, in such circles, we would expect it to be both more restrained and infrequent. Focused mostly on strangers, competitors, and members of the out-group, sarcasm and satire are most typically used to highlight the shortcomings of others rather than those of the humorists or their in-group associates. This is why sarcasm and satire can be quite off-putting to those who don’t consider themselves part of the humorist’s camp. It’s understandable, then, that targets would be disinclined to befriend those who use these two comedic devices on a recurring basis. It can be easily equated with bullying behavior if the targets are thought anything less than thoroughly deserving.

Examples Abound

There are numerous of examples of both techniques available on YouTube. Sarcasm is prevalent in most of the American sitcoms I’m familiar with. In the following two clips (video one; video two), the very loving and generous (but impatient and easily frustrated) character of Dorothy Zbornak (played by Bea Arthur) often directs sarcasm at her ex-husband and current housemates. Note that, despite the titles of these videos, not every biting remark is an example of sarcasm. See if you can tell which ones are, and which are simply insults.

As for satire, anyone familiar with the American television show "Saturday Night Live" will know that many of its skits are wholly satirical, with a range of recognizable sports figures, entertainers, government officials, world leaders, and others being imitated and serving as the focus of derision. A YouTube search of “SNL [plus the name of the famous person of your choice]” would likely result in some satirical treatment popping up in the search results.

© John Charles Simon