Sarcasm is now defined as language that relies on understatement or irony. It can be difficult to identify, but is important for fluent language use. Sarcastic speech depends on the speaker and tone of voice. Some languages have special ways of identifying sarcasm. Children often learn sarcasm naturally, but some people may struggle to identify it due to social or language problems.
In the past, remarks classified as sarcasm included any bitter or biting comment designed to cut or insult someone. More recently, sarcastic language has been defined more narrowly to include only those statements that rely on understatement or irony for their power. This use of language is sometimes identified as non-simple speaking, where what is said is different from what is meant. Learning to identify sarcasm can be difficult for some people, but understanding this type of speech is important to be considered a fully functioning speaker of a language.
Most fluent speakers of a language are capable of using sarcasm, but not everyone may be able to identify the mechanism by which this type of speech works. Typically, sarcasm works by stating something untrue in a specific tone of voice associated with this device in a certain language. Simply making a false statement is usually not enough to identify the remark as sarcastic, and the tone of voice in which the remark is made helps others understand that the statement is not to be taken seriously.
It is commonly said that sarcastic expressions work through irony, but it is important to distinguish between an ironic situation and a sarcastic remark. Sarcastic speech depends on the speaker, but ironic speech is usually unintentional on the part of the speaker, thus creating an ironic situation. It can therefore be said that sarcastic language relies on irony for its humorous value, but that it does not create an ironic situation.
Some languages have special ways of identifying sarcastic comments and other unrealistic phrases. Special punctuation has also been proposed for sarcastic text. There are many informal ways to indicate that text is sarcastic, which can be useful because written text may not have the intonation that helps people identify sarcasm.
Children often learn sarcasm naturally and do not need to be taught to use this device, although in certain contexts they may misunderstand how the meaning is to be taken. In many studies, five-year-olds have been shown to be able to sense sarcasm. Some people, however, never learn to identify sarcastic uses of language due to various problems interpreting social situations or language. Autism, for example, can make it very difficult for a person to understand when a person is not using language literally. Failure to identify sarcasm can also, in some cases, indicate brain injury or brain damage.
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