Sarcasm: A Good form of Humor?

@bluewings (3857)
March 30, 2007 11:32am CST
I was thinking about some of my friends who have amazing sense of humor I marvel at their witticism and wish I could match them, but then I might falter in trying to sound funny and might end up hurting someone. And then the question arose what if humor is misunderstood? What do you make of a sarcastic remark that is intended to be humorous? Does it offend you? Do you feel the person has a mental stagnation that's giving way to sarcasm? Or do you think of them as a Free thinker and return their humor with witty sarcasm? Is Sarcasm a good form of Humor? Do you use sarcasm as humor?
9 people like this
29 responses
@Melody1 (967)
• India
30 Mar 07
Humor,in all its form,should evoke laughter and lift the mood.Enabling us to see the lighter side of a situation.The end result of humor should always be positive. Sarcasm,on the other hand aims at ridiculing,taunting or targetting personal shortcomings.I feel its a very negative form of expression.In no way it should be interpreted as humor. Unlike satire,which aims at attacking or pointing out at the failings of a system,institution or social vices for awareness and correction,sarcasm plays no positive role and ends up hurting the target. These are my views and may seem absolutely incorrect to you and others.:-)
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
I agree melody! Just got a taste of that and didn't like it very much,lol.I posted this discussion with a purpose and glad that it wasn't wasted.Hey,please excuse the late response.I haven't been too well, but much better now.
2 people like this
@Melody1 (967)
• India
30 Mar 07
Wit is an intelligent friend of humor and enjoyed by one and all.:-)
3 people like this
• China
31 Mar 07
what you have said is very good.
3 people like this
• Australia
31 Mar 07
Some of my friends here on myLot have a wonderful sense of humour which I admire so much. It is great to join in their threads and have some fun together. I think sarcasm is a legitimate type of humour and very effective, but has its place and can so easily be out of place. Sarcasm as humour is greatly appreciated between friends who understand each other, but used with a stranger or an acquaintance, or a casual friend, it could be hurtful. There is only one person I use sarcasm with and he is a long standing friend. We call each other sparring partners, but have a great respect for each other and understand each other. I seldom use it with others.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
Well, the first time I read your post 4 days back,I liked it so much that I almost forgot rating you.I had to get back to it to re-read.I agree that sarcastic jokes work best with people we know well and the ones who understand us.Thanks for sharing your views and my apologies for the delay in responding.
2 people like this
@Tetchie (2932)
• Australia
31 Mar 07
It has been said that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I disagree, maybe cause I'm getting really good at it! I've come to learn that not all jibes are a personal affront to me, though I used to think they were, ouch! This is where humor is misunderstood, but that's a mood issue and a person's individual standpoint that makes sarcasm hurt. Did you know that many enlightened humans are very humorous. Humans and humor are supposed to go together, I mean this is one big cosmic joke - right? My use of sarcasm is now pointed at humanity as a whole and not to any individual. I'm actually laughing or making light of our feeble attempt to be human which is a far cry from where I used to express myself.
2 people like this
@Tetchie (2932)
• Australia
3 Apr 07
Certainly we have a mixed bag of people here on myLot. With 80,000 odd there are bound to be a few roughies and the sensitive will need to hold on tight sometimes. Isn't it amazing that no matter where we go, whether in person or on a virtual forum like this, people will still get hurt. We never stop learning and being challenged.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
Yes, the real and virtual world are so different and yet so similar.Perhaps that's the only way to grow.:) I am happy I don't stay down for too long.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
lol I am in the ouch state at the moment ,tetchie.I think you made a valid point about misunderstood humor and mood issue.Just got a feel of that,lol.I take it well from someone I have known for sometime.Thanks for responding!:)
@Rexy_leigh (1189)
• Philippines
30 Mar 07
I've had a couple of close encounters with people who seemed to try so hard to look or sound funny, yet the tend to go the exact opposite way..sounding sarcastic and sometimes hurting some people in the group. personally, if I still can take it I just shrug it off..but if their sarcasm reach way beyond my "ridicule tolerance", am afraid I'd return him the favor in split second.. :P by then they would learn that it's never at all times easy to match the humorous level of other people, thus leading the one trying hard to offend the person he's throwing jokes at...and would picture out first if his "joke" would really be a joke for laughing and not for hurting.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
I think it just happened to me,I am not totally sure though.So,if my present reaction is anything to go by ,then I'd just stay away from such a person if his or her sarcasm hurt me.Thanks,Rexy!
1 person likes this
• Portugal
30 Mar 07
Sarcasm is just a way of doing humour. Most of the times, it's an intelligent way of doing a joke or a remark. And I do enjoy intelligent humour. But it’s not that easy to make a sarcasm joke. Like all jokes timing is essential to make a good sarcastic remark. I try to make them. I don't mind if people don't understand it or if they get offended by it.
4 people like this
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
Thanks for sharing your views Rogr! Timing is indeed of essence.
2 people like this
@samrat16 (2442)
• India
30 Mar 07
Read this quotes for sarcasm examples ----Edward Abbey -- A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. Joey Adams -- Stay with me; I want to be alone -- A psychiatrist is a fellow who asks you a lot of expensive questions your wife asks for nothing. Russel Baker -- People seem to enjoy things more when they know a lot of other people have been left out of the pleasure. Alben W. Barkley -- A bureaucrat is a Democrat who holds some office that a Republican wants. Dave Barry -- The word aerobics comes from two Greek words: aero, meaning "ability to," and bics, meaning "withstand tremendous boredom." Caron de Beaumarchais -- It is not necesssary to understand things in order to argue about them. Ambrose Bierce -- Calamities are of two kinds: misfortunes to ourselves, and good fortune to others. Stephen Bishop -- I feel so miserable without you, it's almost like having you here. Erma Bombeck -- One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child's name and how old he or she is. -- I do not participate in any sport with ambulances at the bottom of a hill. Ashleigh Brilliant -- Sometimes I need what only you can provide: your absence David Brinkley -- The one function that TV news performs very well is that when there is no news we give it to you with the same emphasis as if it were. A. Whitney Brown -- I am not a vegetarian because I love animals; I am a vegetarian because I hate plants. Samuel Butler -- Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victems he intends to eat until he eats them. Frank Capra -- Automatic simply means that you can't repair it yourself. John Ciardi -- You don't have to suffer to be a poet; adolescence is enough suffering for anyone. John Cleese -- I find it rather easy to protray a businessman. Being bland, rather cruel and incompetent comes naturally to me. Jean Cocteau -- I believe in luck: how else can you explain the success of those you don't like? Andrei Codrescu -- Cookbooks bear the same relation to real books that microwave food bears to your grandmother's. Steven Coallier -- If we are the only intelligent life in the universe, at least there's a finite number of idiots. Noel Coward -- I don't believe in astrology. The only stars I can blame for my failures are those that walk about the stage. Quentin Crisp -- The trouble with children is that they are not returnable. Finley Peter Dunne -- An appeal is when you ask one court to show it's contempt for another court. J.W. Eagan -- Never judge a book by its movie. Abba Eban -- History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.
3 people like this
• India
11 Apr 07
Thanks...
@worthy (2413)
• India
31 Mar 07
Sarcasm is a deformity that humor may develop if it doesn't guard itself.Everything has its limit and resorting to sarcasm in humor is crossing that limit. Witticism is a creation of a very alert and active mind which can immediately reproduce and recount an ordinary situation in an amazingly interesting and funny manner.
2 people like this
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
At this moment ,I have to say that's how I feel.Thanks for sharing your thoughts,Worthy!When I am calmer I'll try to revisit the topic.
1 person likes this
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
31 Mar 07
From my experience sarcasm is some one using supposed humor to hurt some one else.I believe that it is a cowardly action, If you do not like a person or something about them, what makes you believe that being sarcastic is the answer, it hurts no matter what, I prefer some one to come right out and say You are fat, rather than going MOOOO, as they walked by me.Also there is no way to deflect that sort of criticism, because it is out of no where and if you do you are accuse of not having a sense of humor or sensitive. You can not win when it comes to sarcasm. I admit I have used it and am not proud of it.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
I can relate to that Robin! I can do much better by keeping it only for friends who know me well or rather not using it at all.As for taking it,I prefer it from people I have known for some time.Thanks for your thoughts!:)
@wisedragon (2325)
• Philippines
31 Mar 07
Yes, I tend to use sarcasm as a form of humor. I have to be careful though because it can hurt someone. So I only do it to people that I am close to, people I know will not get mad at me. We usually have a good laugh.
2 people like this
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
Yes, I too enjoy it when it comes from people I know because I know they would never want to hurt me.So,I know for sure that it's a joke with an angle to it ,lol.
@kurtbiewald (2625)
• United States
31 Mar 07
nope, not me, even that posting is VERY sad and extreamely offensive just say what you mean, none of that hidden stuff, or I will get angry at you
2 people like this
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
Thanks for your thoughts ,Kurtiebald.
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
31 Mar 07
I frequently use sarcasm as humor, I can't help it. Things will just fly out of my mouth. But I also have a sense of when someone will be offended or not, and try and curb my tongue around those who will be. I don't get offended myself very easily, I take things as lightly as I can.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
It's nice that you know where to use it and where to avoid using it.:)I take it well from people I have known a little ,but I guess I am bad at taking it from strangers.Still trying to improve,lol.Thanks,dl!
@yanstill (1490)
• China
31 Mar 07
i think the biggest difference between sarcasm and humor is,sarcasm is used when you dont like a person,you say something opposite,humor is an ability of saying funny things and make your friends laugh,i never use sarcasm as humor,coz i know my intention,if i dislike a person,i use slight sarcasm,it happens that sometimes he didnt even notice,that made me a little annoyed,i want him to know that,if someone take my sarcasm as a sense of humor,i dont know if i have to cry or to laugh. when i was saying some joke,i always had smile,maybe laugh on my face,i laugh first when i was telling that joke,i think i am not good at humor,but my friends understand,maybe that's a kind of unspoken consensus.:)
2 people like this
@yanstill (1490)
• China
4 Apr 07
yep,i think so. next April i will pretend to be serious,then nobody will know my trick lol. and i do have that situation,when i am mad at somebody,i talked the opposite way,he laughed,that made me more upset,that was some kind of misunderstanding,maybe i am not good at both sarcasm and humor,:)the less i use them,the less mistake i will make.
• Philippines
11 Apr 07
Hello Bluewings! I must admit I have sometimes this kind of sarcastic humor. If I may say. But I choose the people I use this kind jokes with. I mean, I only do that to close friends, which I really really know. And more in a way of teasing with a little truth in it. And I also do take in consideration, the mood and present state of mind and situation of my friend. So I don't do that on persons I don't really know. I think it would be quite rude. Because to be sarcastic, for me, is also a way of assuming that what you are saying is a half joke and half truth. Am I right Bluewings or wrong, I got a little bit confused I think? (^^,LOL) But I don't use bad humor sarcasm, I'm more of the happy go lucky type of girl that love to make fun of my friends in a witty sort and good sarcastic humor. Well, I think I have said too much. (^^,LOL) Have a nice day! And hmmmh still perfect ha! Just kidding ha! Keep up the good works! (^^,)
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
11 Apr 07
Yeah,I think a whiff of sarcastic witty humor with the right person at the right time is a nice tease,lol,i.e as long as we don't overdo it:-P I don't think you lost the plot.Yeah,it could be enjoyable and ticklish at times,lol.Oh yeah,I am so close to perfection as to Alpha Centauri,lol.Thanks for verbalising it beautifully,Aphroditei (^^,)
@bluewings (3857)
12 Apr 07
I think you expressed yourself perfectly,Aphroditei.And I love those perfect smileys (^^,LOl)
• Philippines
12 Apr 07
You're too kind bluewings! And thank you too for appreciating my response I though I lost my point. (^^,LOL)Keep on posting such perfect discussions! (^^,) Have a beautiful day!
@Augustta (1850)
• Poland
17 Apr 07
Yes,i think is a form of humor,but if is good or bad you tell me after my question: can you suggest me an post idea about cowards friends?...ah,yes,i can read your message off line,of course. now you tell me,was my sarcasm a good form of humor? augusta
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
17 Apr 07
You have a point there ,Augustta! :-P I remember one of my friends who is very good at sarcastic humor,Lol And doesn't even hurt people.
@bluewings (3857)
18 Apr 07
Ah...You gave me the right excuse,Lol,but I am not a good escapist,lol.
@Augustta (1850)
• Poland
17 Apr 07
well,nice to know you are fine. and if sarcasm was too cruel...even,i think is true...will say"i am sorry"...your only excuse can be you was off few days... have a great time in case you just wanted to escape.. augustta
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
2 Apr 07
firstly, this is an interesting post bluewings, much appreciated. i feel, sarcasm is a low form of humour , wit being the highest. sarcasm aims at belittling or hurt someone, and to laugh at their expense, its kind of "cutting". don't you feel its scornful and taunting most of the times? on the contrary, true wit associates with fun and cheerfulness and boosts everyone's spirits, being aimed at an action, a happening or an attitude. i will always advocate wit as the highest form of humor, pun marginally behind it. i feel, humor is instinctive and witty ppl are born with it. and guess what, every attempt of mine to cut one ends up in disaster. i can manage puns, very seldom though and my experience with this has been very sad and that is how i came to know that it cannot be cultivated atall! dear, i have found you exhibiting a lot of wit and lemme admit that i do struggle for repartees always. your posts make me pine for second.....how about this pun??
1 person likes this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
5 Apr 07
i just hope you are okay by now. pls take care of yourself, get well and be back to job. don't spoil the game here... was my pun a cutting kind, did i succeed this time?
@bluewings (3857)
5 Apr 07
You wanted to succeed ?:) No,it wasn't you,Mimpi.
@bluewings (3857)
3 Apr 07
Can I return that line ?lol Your pun is as unique as your writing style! Yes,sarcastic jokes could be kind of cutting.I just felt like I was victim to one,lol.But I will get over it,I am sure.Hey,sorry for the delay in commenting.Was a little unwell ,but of course I am better now.Thanks,Mimpi!
1 person likes this
• Malaysia
4 Jul 07
I have an experience with sarsastic people who thought they are making humor out of it. They make sarcastic jokes every day-in=day-out, until one day I decided to return their sarcastic joke to them. What was the surprising thing is, they couldn't accept my joke as what they had joked sarcastically about me. So I asked them, hey... you have been doing this to me for the whole century and I am never angry at you, even though you have hurt my feelings all this while. After that, both of them realized that they are actually making stupid jokes that only sound funny to themselves. This is a type of bullism, isn't it? When realizing that it won't sound funny if it hit their own nose, they stopped their stupid jokes and started to respect me and everybody else around them.
@bluewings (3857)
4 Jul 07
Good that they realised and backed off.Yes,sarcasm could turn into bullying and the person being sarcastic could lose friends due to his supposed humor.
• Oman
6 Apr 07
Sarcasm is fine as long as it doesnt hurt anyone. Theres nothing like a well times sarcastic remark. I tend to use it a lot but I also use it to make fun of myself so I dont think theres anything wrong with it. You have to think fast to come up with a good sarcastic remark and I admire that. My brothers really good at it and often leaves me rolling on the floor laughing with his remarks but not everyone gets it unfortunately. Ive had some funny situations where the person took my sarcastic remarks literally and that takes all the joy out of making those remarks. So if you want to stop someone from making sarcastic remarks just play dumb and take everything they say as a compliment and keep thanking them. Believe me that stops them.
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
6 Apr 07
lol Thanks for the great suggestion,hellsangelus! I am pretty sure it would work on most and confuse the rest :-P
• United States
17 Apr 07
I think sarcasm can be humorous. I can be sarcastic at times-and I don't mean to be offensive. I am not offended by it either-unless I know for a fact that it was intended to hurt me.
@bluewings (3857)
17 Apr 07
Ah,yes.If we know that the intent is positive ,then sarcastic jokes can be quite peppy.Thanks for your thoughts,browneyedgirl!
• United States
11 Apr 07
I LOVE sarcasm. I use it all the time but only to people who know my humor because it can be taken the wrong way. But over all it just comes naturally to me and I find it funny in other people as well. I can't think of many people that I like that don't use sarcasm.
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
11 Apr 07
I am so afraid of you that I want to compliment you,lol.Nice shoes.I mean it ,lol.Thanks,Shannon!
@Jade27 (67)
• United States
4 Jul 07
I think sarcasm is a good form of humor is some situations. You have to be able to read the people you are trying to be humorous with. I have some friends that when I make a sarcastic remark, come back with some witty retort of their own. I also have friends that get offended. As long as you know the people you are trying to be humorous with will get it, I think it is a good form of humor.
1 person likes this
@bluewings (3857)
4 Jul 07
Indeed! When using sarcasm ,knowing the person seems to be the key.When used with the right people,it could make you famous.I wish I could read minds,lol.