Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay, CCO

You may have heard that controversial statement last week in which injecting disinfectant should be studied as a possible treatment for COVID-19. That was quickly dismissed, of course, and later explained as a sarcastic statement. And while the suggestion may have been a subject of scorn due to its rather unscientific nature, the more interesting question for language nerds like me is, “Was that really sarcasm?”

What is Sarcasm?

Sarcasm is a remark spoken as a form of scornful or ironic jest. Like most ironic statements, the end result is usually the opposite of what is said. Sarcasm is often described as biting, or caustic. It can be humorous, but often not to the person who is its target.  It serves as a form of ridicule or mockery. In fact, the word comes to us from the Latin word for mockery, sarcasmos.

Classic examples of sarcasm are statements such as, “That scarf does a nice job covering the wrinkles in your neck.” Or “You’re not half as stupid as you look.”

Masters of Sarcasm

Sarcasm can also be an exercise in wit. My favorite example of sarcasm reportedly came from Sir Winston Churchill, who could be very unpleasant to people he didn’t like or respect. Lady Mary Astor, a friend of Churchill’s wife, had become so upset with the man that she told him, “If I was your wife, I’d poison your tea.” To which Churchill replied, “Madame if I was your husband, I’d drink it.”

Mark Twain was once invited to speak the eulogy at a funeral for someone he didn’t like. “I didn’t attend the funeral,” he later said, “But I sent a letter saying that I approved of it.”

Groucho Marx, a comedian who performed for decades on stage, film, radio, and television is credited with telling someone, “I never forget a face, but in your case, I’ll make an exception.”

And one of the great running jokes in television history involved Sheldon on “The Big Bang Theory.” For years on the long-running show, Sheldon couldn’t recognize sarcasm. But, once he understood the concept, he became a merciless master of it.

https://youtu.be/QdD2tL71b7A

So, let me ask you – was that comment about injecting disinfectant an example of sarcasm? Please feel free to comment below. And, if you’d like, phrase your response sarcastically.