Thinking Out Loud v. 3.1: Sarcasm & Satire
I don't like the revisions I had to make, but the last one was too short. Additions are in bold.
By Megan Wilson
Columnist
If you enjoy being ignorant, you should probably stop sounding out the words in this sentence now; otherwise, get yourself a writing utensil, kiddies, you’re going to need to take notes. As years of schooling has taught us, language has many devices, such as indicating love, reciting lessons, waging war, rallying peace, and chatting with hot guys on the internet. And within language, there are many different tones and subjects that make it what it is; such as, iambic pentameter, in media res, metonymy, motifs, sarcasm, satire, tercets, wit, dramatic irony, and many other large and complicated words.
Teachers, more often than not, have not encouraged the usage of such contemptible “smarty-pants” themes in student’s writings - let alone explain them. Or maybe they have, and you were just too busy writing “I HEART ASHTON” all over everything you own or text messaging your posse about that kick ass party the other night to notice.
Therefore, let me explain to you, dearly beloved readers of this practically award-winning high school publication, the definition, comprehension, and importance of two language essentials: Sarcasm and satire. Not only do they enhance any normal sentence or prose, but they’re accepted everywhere, like Mastercard™. And ebonics.
The word sarcasm comes from French word sarcasme, the Late Latin word sarcasmus, and the Greek word sarkasmos (Σαρκασμός), meaning to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, and sneer. Since its first use by angsty Greco-Roman teenagers, the concept of sarcasm has come a long way - and even snuck it’s way into mainstream American culture.
A sarcastic statement is an exaggeration, or even a complete lie, meant to be taken in a figurative way so as to be humorous or to prove a point. Sarcastic statements are to be perceived extremely literally, without humor or deeper meaning considered whatsoever. For an example of sarcasm, please see the latter.
Sarcasm comes in handy in many different situations. It may seem complicated and contradictory; but remember: it’s all in the hips. Say, for example, you’re in a battle of wits with a pirate. The only way you’re going to win is with sarcasm. Tell him you enjoy his massive hat - even if you don’t - pirates are easy to sway with flattery. Then tell him Peter Pan called and wants his pants back, and he’ll finally understand the sarcasm.
Ahem. Moving on…
Satire tends to be a bit more difficult to decipher, because it often is mistaken as being the truth, when written convincingly. Satire is the mocking of a defect in someone, something, or society in general - where the creator attacks a member or regularity of the public. Often, with help from sarcasm, satire embodies an absurd concept in order to make fun of it.
Sound familiar?
Furthermore, Satirical staytmuntz are teh make fun of flawz in da wurld n peeps n stufz. For an example of satire, please read this article.
In past columns, I have used both sarcasm and satire to the dismay of some of students, who didn’t quite grasp the concept of reading something so absurd that it might be a façade - or, perhaps, sarcasm. In fact, I got more angry letters than the event coordinator that scheduled Ms. Simpson to perform at the Orange Bowl.
To those unaware of the scandalous Orange Bowl incident, which proved to be more embarrassing than her SNL episode, Ashlee sang at the halftime show and was boo’d by 72,000 face-painted football fans. “You make me wanna scream,” was the last line of the song, but apparently all the stadium beer had caused the fans to become perplexed.
In regards to the students disgruntled by my diehard Ashlee Simpson fan impersonation, I totally said that Hilary Duff was more hardcore. Would a devoted Ashlee-er do that? I don’t think so.
Fin.
By Megan Wilson
Columnist
If you enjoy being ignorant, you should probably stop sounding out the words in this sentence now; otherwise, get yourself a writing utensil, kiddies, you’re going to need to take notes. As years of schooling has taught us, language has many devices, such as indicating love, reciting lessons, waging war, rallying peace, and chatting with hot guys on the internet. And within language, there are many different tones and subjects that make it what it is; such as, iambic pentameter, in media res, metonymy, motifs, sarcasm, satire, tercets, wit, dramatic irony, and many other large and complicated words.
Teachers, more often than not, have not encouraged the usage of such contemptible “smarty-pants” themes in student’s writings - let alone explain them. Or maybe they have, and you were just too busy writing “I HEART ASHTON” all over everything you own or text messaging your posse about that kick ass party the other night to notice.
Therefore, let me explain to you, dearly beloved readers of this practically award-winning high school publication, the definition, comprehension, and importance of two language essentials: Sarcasm and satire. Not only do they enhance any normal sentence or prose, but they’re accepted everywhere, like Mastercard™. And ebonics.
The word sarcasm comes from French word sarcasme, the Late Latin word sarcasmus, and the Greek word sarkasmos (Σαρκασμός), meaning to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, and sneer. Since its first use by angsty Greco-Roman teenagers, the concept of sarcasm has come a long way - and even snuck it’s way into mainstream American culture.
A sarcastic statement is an exaggeration, or even a complete lie, meant to be taken in a figurative way so as to be humorous or to prove a point. Sarcastic statements are to be perceived extremely literally, without humor or deeper meaning considered whatsoever. For an example of sarcasm, please see the latter.
Sarcasm comes in handy in many different situations. It may seem complicated and contradictory; but remember: it’s all in the hips. Say, for example, you’re in a battle of wits with a pirate. The only way you’re going to win is with sarcasm. Tell him you enjoy his massive hat - even if you don’t - pirates are easy to sway with flattery. Then tell him Peter Pan called and wants his pants back, and he’ll finally understand the sarcasm.
Ahem. Moving on…
Satire tends to be a bit more difficult to decipher, because it often is mistaken as being the truth, when written convincingly. Satire is the mocking of a defect in someone, something, or society in general - where the creator attacks a member or regularity of the public. Often, with help from sarcasm, satire embodies an absurd concept in order to make fun of it.
Sound familiar?
Furthermore, Satirical staytmuntz are teh make fun of flawz in da wurld n peeps n stufz. For an example of satire, please read this article.
In past columns, I have used both sarcasm and satire to the dismay of some of students, who didn’t quite grasp the concept of reading something so absurd that it might be a façade - or, perhaps, sarcasm. In fact, I got more angry letters than the event coordinator that scheduled Ms. Simpson to perform at the Orange Bowl.
To those unaware of the scandalous Orange Bowl incident, which proved to be more embarrassing than her SNL episode, Ashlee sang at the halftime show and was boo’d by 72,000 face-painted football fans. “You make me wanna scream,” was the last line of the song, but apparently all the stadium beer had caused the fans to become perplexed.
In regards to the students disgruntled by my diehard Ashlee Simpson fan impersonation, I totally said that Hilary Duff was more hardcore. Would a devoted Ashlee-er do that? I don’t think so.
Fin.