Grammar clinic: The REAL difference between IRONY and SARCASM

An Irony is the use of words or phrases that express a totally different meaning from their literal meanings. Simply put, Irony is to say one thing but to mean something else.

Example: Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room. The speaker meant to say: This is the best place to fight as it is the war room.

Sarcasm is the use of words that is a bit sarcastic and intended to make someone the victim of ridicule. A mocking remark, usually intended to wound as well as amuse.

Examples

Of course, you have no enemies, but you are intensely disliked by your friends.

Indeed, the trouble with you is that you lack the power of conversation but not the power of speech.

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The difference between Irony and Sarcasm

Sarcasm is actually a subdivision or part of irony in a way, but it is used more specifically to hurt and embarrass the person personally. The attack is more personal and deliberate in nature. More often than not, sarcasm is derogatory and really insulting.

Irony, generally speaking, can naturally occur in both language and circumstance; one experiences irony when the opposite of an expected situation or idea occurs. In essence, an individual does not need to go out of their way to experience an ironical situation or idea, they can occur naturally.

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In other words, Irony tones and delivery will always be humorous and sometimes can be viewed as life’s practical joke.  Sarcasm is nasty and not very good.

Summary:

1. Sarcasm is used more specifically to hurt and embarrass the person personally, while irony, on the other hand is not derogatory or insulting.

2. All sarcasm is irony. Not all irony is sarcasm.

3. Irony can be verbal, situational or dramatic. Sarcasm can only be verbal.

4. Irony can be innocent but sarcasm is used with the intent to mock or hurt somebody.

Reference: Sarcasm Society and About.com