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Sarcasm what is how to understand. Sarcasm and modern society

Sarcasm what is how to understand. Sarcasm and modern society

23.09.2019

Sarcasm as a quality of personality is the ability for sharp stinging mockery, the highest degree of irony, based not only on the increased contrast of the implied and expressed, but also on the immediate intentional exposure of the implied.

Rina Zelyonaya said: “In the sanatorium, Ranevskaya was sitting at the table with some kind of bore, who always found fault with food. And the soup is cold, and the cutlets are not salty, and the compote is not sweet. (Perhaps, indeed.) At breakfast he said with disgust: “Well, what are these eggs? Laughter alone. As a child, my mother, I remember, had eggs! - Aren't you confusing her with daddy? - inquired Ranevskaya.

Sarcasm is a mockery, usually opening with a positive judgment, but in a general context it has a negative background, focusing on some kind of human vice, a lack of an object of the external world, that is, in relation to what it is happening. Let's return to Faina Ranevskaya: “At night I almost always read Pushkin. Then I take sleeping pills and read again, because sleeping pills do not work. I again take sleeping pills and think about Pushkin. If I met him, I would tell him how wonderful he is, how we all remember him, how I live by him all my long life ... Then I fall asleep, and I dream of Pushkin. He walks with a cane along Tverskoy Boulevard. I run to him, I scream. He stopped, looked, bowed and said: "Leave me alone, old b ... How you bored me with your love."

Sarcasm in one harness with satire fights the harmful phenomena of life by ridiculing them. The unmercifulness and harshness of the exposure is the unique signature of sarcasm. Unlike irony, sarcasm does not accept jokes; it serves as a conductor of extreme indignation, rejection and hatred. If a humorist sees a comic component in the episodes of life and feels sympathy for his heroes, then sarcasm looks with hostility and disgust at the object that aroused his keen interest and bubbling indignation. An example of sarcasm is the lines of Igor Guberman: “It’s disgusting, and vile, and vile, and the fear that you’ll get infected with swinishness, and the cattle get lost in the cauldron and happily bestial unity.” Mikhail Zhvanetsky, speaking sarcastically about the superficiality of human perception of life, says: “Let's talk about the collapse and rise of Hollywood without seeing a single film. Let's push philosophers together without reading their works. Let's argue about the taste of oysters and coconuts with those who have eaten them. To hoarseness, to a fight, perceiving the taste of food by ear, the color by the tooth, the stink by the eye, imagining a film by its title, a painting by its last name, a country by the Film Travel Club, sharpness of opinion by an anthology.

Having mockery, ridicule, cynicism, sarcasm in their arsenal, as a rule, in their striking power, they surpass the potentials of journalism, oratory and polemics. It is for this reason that sarcasm is widely used in political battles. IN AND. Lenin said: "The capitalists are ready to sell us a rope with which we will hang them." Igor Guberman writes: "We have retained all the denseness of the past Russian generations, but added to them the odorousness of our spiritual secretions."

One of the most effective tools of sarcasm is aphorism. Examples of sarcasms that have become aphorisms: “If the patient really wants to live, doctors are powerless” (Faina Ranevskaya), “Only the Universe and human stupidity are endless, while I have doubts about the infinity of the first of them.” (Albert Einstein), “Live every day as if this day is your last, and very soon it will be the last” (Robert Orben), “Modern painting is when you buy a picture to close a hole in the wall, and come to the conclusion that the hole looks better." (Robert Order), “Religion is an important subject in girls' schools. She, no matter how you look at her, is the most reliable guarantee for mothers and husbands. The school should teach the girl to believe, not to think.” (Napoleon I Bonaparte).

The algorithm of action of sarcasm is a negative phenomenon - anger and indignation as an extreme degree of emotional openness: “I feel sorry for this blue sky, I feel sorry for the earth and life fragments; I’m scared that well-fed pigs are worse than hungry wolves,” writes I. Huberman.

Sarcasm, when it comes to human relationships, is a vicious personality trait. At the social level, when assessing the events of public life, he is able to expose hypocrisy and lies, to overthrow the "soap bubbles" of individuals. On a personal level, it is almost always a derivative of pride. A person who clearly shows sarcasm in communication with relatives and others demonstrates disrespect for people, shows superiority over them. Albert Camus has a good sarcasm about this: “I have always refused to dine in Chinese restaurants. Why? Because Asians in the presence of whites often take on a contemptuous look. Of course, they still have a contemptuous expression when they serve us at the tables. Well, how in this case is it possible to eat chicken with pleasure, and most importantly, how to think, looking at them, that we are higher than the yellowskins?

Considering himself smarter than others, the bearer of sarcasm first treats people with disdain, and then aggressively insists on recognizing his assessments of life situations. Love cannot be brought up by public flogging, a person will not become softer, kinder and more sublime after verbal executions produced by sarcasm. Humiliating people, sarcasm on the personal front does not give positive results. Such a weapon as sarcasm must be treated with reverence, otherwise it will cause bewilderment and rejection of others. Friends and acquaintances will begin to shun sarcasm like a rabid wasp. People who give out poisonous phrases without a share of humor look disgusting, causing hostility and irritation of others.

Mark Twain's sarcasm was so great that many, including his friends, could repeat after Noah Brooks, his friend: "I would rather have anyone as my enemy, but not Mark Twain." His wife and children nicknamed him "angry gray cat" because, when he became enraged, he snorted like a disheveled kitten. One day, a land merchant who got rich robbing Indians boasted in Mark Twain's company that he wore the most expensive clothes. And as proof, he asked those present to pay attention to his tie: “This thing costs twenty-five dollars!” Mark Twain looked at him contemptuously and said: "It's probably the way it is in the USA that the most expensive ties are worn by those who would have had enough rope."

Once Mark Twain was invited to an appointment with a famous lawyer. The owner of the house, holding his hands in his pockets, introduced Twain to the audience in this way: “Here is a rare case! Comedian who is really funny!" “You are also a rare case,” Twain said. “A lawyer who keeps his hands in his own pockets!”

Petr Kovalev 2013

Making a person smile and even more so laugh is not an easy task. It is much easier to squeeze a tear out of a listener or viewer, as the great Charles Chaplin noted. However, the task becomes even more difficult if it consists in having a self-critical thought about the lack of one's own intelligence visit the interlocutor's head. Only three techniques used in literature, cinema and painting cause laughter. Writers, poets, directors and artists have known them for a long time - this is good humor, sarcasm and irony. Examples of funny and not very turns, as well as a brief theoretical basis for their psychological impact will be discussed in this article.

What does "humor" mean?

The most harmless form of fun consists in saying funny phrases that do not hurt or offend anyone. It should be noted that it is rather difficult to come up with something similar and at the same time funny, the most harmless joke can touch someone's hidden spiritual strings, someone will take a completely good-natured statement at their own expense and consider it to be hidden sarcasm. There are examples of such situations in Chekhov's early stories, for example, in "The Wedding" - a story about how a certain Aplombov married a dowry, but at the same time posed as a noble person. Telegraphist Yat's abstract arguments about electricity were taken by both the groom and many guests as a hint of their ignorance. The result was deplorable, and from this fragment we can conclude that one should be very careful to shine with wit or erudition, given the nature of the listeners. If you are not completely sure that the joke will be understood correctly, it is better not to say it.

Irony and self-irony

Another form, in principle, invented in order to make life more fun for everyone, is irony. Reception is very simple, at least at first glance. It is enough to call something bad good, and here is the irony. In fact, everything, of course, is more complicated and diverse. It is possible to declare a stalemate wonderful, because it cannot get worse. Irony can also be gloomy, then it acquires the features of the “humor of the gallows”, which is very popular in Britain. “We are engaged in such shameful deeds that we are simply obliged to behave like true gentlemen!”, “Quitting smoking is very easy, I know, because I myself have done it many times,” Mark Twain sneered at his bad habit.

One more example. A rabbi in a hat and with a yellow star on his chest is walking through the Warsaw ghetto, an SS man sees him and points his finger at him, asking: "Jude?"

Actually, irony can be a defensive reaction to unbearable external circumstances, when the usual humor no longer works. At the same time, she does not aim to offend someone, but denotes a deep understanding of the situation and thereby raises the joking person above his interlocutors. This is how Socrates conducted his disputes and disputes, accepting all the arguments of his rival, belittling his knowledge, but constantly asking questions, answering which, he was eventually forced to admit that the philosopher was right.

Sarcasm is considered to be a much harsher tool. Examples of “tormenting” (as “sarcasmus” is translated from Greek) speech turns leave no doubt about the intention to cause the greatest damage to the speaker’s victim’s pride.

Differences between sarcasm and irony

So, irony is an allegory, in a hidden form, denouncing or revealing some unpleasant events or facts. In its essence, a positive and optimistic worldview prevails, while a person often jokes about himself and about the deplorable situation in which he is, no matter whether it is his own fault or due to circumstances of an irresistible external force. Irony can be gentle, as evidenced by the examples given. Sarcasm is never soft, it is always merciless. Moreover, allegories in it are minimized or absent at all. The subject of criticism is always specific, each "joke" in this category has a targeted nature. If you can be ironic in solitude or in the company of people who do not understand the full depth of humor, then all examples of sarcasm are designed for a grateful and wide audience.

Pamphlets

Angry denunciations printed on paper or distributed in other ways are called pamphlets. If they are capable of causing laughter, then only bitter. The reason for writing such messages may be a situation in which no hints or allegories are inappropriate. There are known examples of sarcasm in the literature of various eras - from the medieval (when, in fact, the term arose) to modern history. It's not always safe to be so harsh on the public. Publicist Yaroslav Galan was killed by a Catholic fanatic for the pamphlet "I Spit on the Pope." Some French journalists insulted the religious feelings of Muslims by printing ugly caricatures, which also ended tragically. There are other examples of sarcasm that offends entire nations or large groups of them. Well, this genre does not pretend to be the most delicate, it has other tasks.

Trolling as a form of sarcasm

Trolling in English means a type of fishing that uses baubles. This term has nothing to do with fairy trolls. The age of new information technologies gives rise to its own laws, the tasks of new pamphleteers are also changing, but only tactically. The strategy remains the same and consists in unbalancing opponents. Examples of sarcasm on the Internet are extremely diverse, but its essence is rather monotonous. On a blog where supporters of any concept fast (meaning by no means a church fast) (it doesn’t matter which one, it can be furious apologists for a unitary state structure or adherents of urine therapy), the troll brazenly exposes his sarcastic message, which runs counter to the prevailing opinion . The reaction is quite predictable: comments, often obscene, immediately begin to pour in to those who disagree. As a result, the moderators forcibly end the discussion. Everything, the enemy is defeated. Laughter, however, is not enough.

So which is better?

From all of the above, one could conclude that irony is a good and kind reception, and sarcasm, on the contrary, is evil and bad. But this assertion would be just as unfair as declaring passenger planes useful and military planes harmful. Everything is needed, and all genres are good. The main thing is that the writing should not be boring. Irony is interesting, but smart sarcasm is no less entertaining. Examples from fiction already enchant with the names of the authors. The subtle, allegorical and wise humor of N. V. Gogol, A. P. Chekhov, V. M. Shukshin attracts the reader in the same way as the pamphletism of some works by Lermontov (“The First of January”) or “Reflections at the Front Door” by Nekrasov, and indeed Pushkin was not alien to this passionate polemical device (“The Monk”). A genius does everything with talent, but mediocre malice only causes annoyance. Many "figures" still need to grow up to real sarcasm.

The meaning of the word SARKASM in the Dictionary of Literary Terms

SARCASM

- (from the Greek sarkasmos (literally "tear meat") - mockery) - a kind of comic: an evil, caustic mockery, a mockery containing a devastating assessment of a person, object or phenomenon, the highest degree of manifestation of irony (see irony). The essence of irony lies in allegory, a subtle allusion, while S. is characterized by an extreme degree of emotional openness, pathos of denial, turning into indignation: "You will die, surrounded by care // Dear and beloved family // (Looking forward to your death) ... "(N.A. Nekrasov). S., as a rule, is dictated by anger, which is caused by a certain negative phenomenon, and allows you to expose the contrast between the subtext and the external meaning (for example, in the title of the fairy tale by M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin "The Wise Piskar"). S. is one of the most important artistic means of satire (see satire)

Dictionary of literary terms. 2012

Why do people use sarcasm?

The concept of sarcasm first appeared in the Greek language and literally meaning of the word translates as "tear flesh, meat." In English literature, the term was officially introduced by Edmund Spenser, and, after some time, took root in the Russian language. The ability to express yourself sarcastically is a sign of a healthy, sharp mind. Sarcastic tricks can be used for different purposes:

To plunge the opponent into the highest degree of humiliation, veiled and viciously mocking his abilities or behavior.
To demonstrate some of the opponent's vices or shortcomings to third parties, while simultaneously showing his intelligence and ability to use sarcasm.
To ridicule phenomena, events in political and public life.

Sarcasm in literature, it is, most often, a poisonous mockery of the regime, power, and political situation. The technique was actively used by ancient philosophers to ridicule the existing totalitarian system, the stupidity of those in power, officials and the bureaucratic system.

Examples of the use of sarcasm.

Some examples of sarcasm:

You look great, have you lost weight? (Phrase to a girl who has noticeably recovered).
Are you going to get a job as a top manager in a large company? Good luck! (Implies the lack of competence of the applicant).
Did he kill four? But he's connected! Do not be afraid, I will not offend him (Implies inadequate assessment of the situation, excessive precaution).
I love people who write wrong. (Implies the opposite - "I hate" "I can not stand").
Will your team take first place in the championship? If only from the end. (Implies the weakness of the interlocutor's team and failure in the fight for the championship).
Spartak has been without trophies for so many years! But no, how could we forget the Copa del Sol (Implies a trophy in a friendly tournament in the off-season, which is not valued. Such trophies, as a rule, do not count at all).

Basic characteristics of sarcasm.

It is a mistake to think that sarcasm and irony are similar concepts. - this is a technique used by writers and comedians when the joke looks kind, not malicious or caustic. In fact, irony is the same mockery, but in a positive or comic way. What is the difference between sarcasm and irony:

Merciless.
Evil, caustic.
Humiliating.
mocking.
stinging.
Bitter.
With a hint of hate.
Indignant.

Sarcasm is the weapon of smart politicians, with which they successfully ridicule the actions of opponents in public. Using a similar technique, you can "put in place" a deceived upstart in a team, making a caustic emphasis on the mental or professional abilities of a person. The sarcastic expression should be used carefully so that the evil joke is both aimed at the target and not expressed directly. In the modern world, sarcasm has taken a slightly different form - trolling. It combines negativity, topicality, caustic mockery and provocation.

Sarcasm is always ridicule and malicious banter, in which you can show yourself as an intelligent person, and those around you as impenetrable fools.

Biting, caustic expressions sometimes hit harder than physical blows. Sarcasm can be called a kind of art, because not everyone is able to hurt the interlocutor so that his ridicule is not perceived as ordinary rudeness.

Despite the negative connotation, sarcastic expressions are considered a sign of a subtle mind and are sometimes used in literary works. But what is sarcasm? And how does it manifest itself in life?

In Greek the word "sarcasm" (σαρκασμός ) means "tearing flesh, mocking, biting lips with rage." In English, this term first appeared in Edmund Spenser's annotation to the Shepheardes calendar, and subsequently took root in Russian.

Angry words can really offend in such a way that a person gets the feeling that he was torn to pieces. And if the uttered barbs caused the laughter of others, then the pain and humiliation become doubly stronger.

Sarcasm is understood as one of the varieties of satirical exposure, a caustic mockery, indicating the shortcomings of a person, any phenomena or objects.

His distinguishing features are ruthlessness to the feelings of people and a sharp form of expression. Most often, he is called upon to demonstrate to others the stupidity of the opponent and boast of the sophistication of his own mind.

Sarcasm is always negative, but even politicians, famous artists and people use it. At different times, he served as one of the tools of political struggle, and in the Middle Ages - a way for the oppressed to express their indignation towards those in power.

The essence of sarcasm is the ability to tell a person the bitter truth, giving it out in the form of a subtle joke. Since it is one of the forms of exposure, it is often used in journalistic works, polemics, oratory.

Some people believe that irony and sarcasm are synonymous. In fact, such a judgment is not entirely correct.

Sarcasm is the highest form of irony. If ironic statements have a shade of good-naturedness and give the speaker's speech a positive color, then the highest degree of indignation finds expression in sarcastic mockery.

There are practically no comic elements in sarcasm - hatred and hostility are expressed in an open form, only slightly veiled as a joke.

There are many examples in the literature of sarcastic expressions that have turned into aphorisms over time. Notable authors who used sarcasm in their writings include Voltaire, who in his pamphlets expressed disdain for the Roman Catholic Church, and Jonathan Swift, who denounced public life in England.

Dostoevsky, in his novel Demons, used the sarcastic expression "administrative delight" in relation to employees who sold railway tickets. By this, he ridiculed their rapture with power over ordinary passengers.

Exceptional causticity lies in the statement of Chatsky, the hero of Griboyedov's work "Woe from Wit": "Molchalin! “Who else will settle things so peacefully!” There he will stroke the pug in time, then he will wipe the card at the right time.

In life, sarcasm can manifest itself both to strangers and to relatives and lovers. In love relationships, he often serves as one of the signs when a person puts his own interests above the desires of his soulmate.

Sometimes sarcasm is a way to solve problems, to sort things out. With a sharp and well-aimed expression, a person is trying to draw attention to some problem that needs to be solved. For example, a man is not satisfied with the weight of his chosen one.

He can tell her about it directly and, probably, offend, or he can say it in the form of a joke, after which the girl will think and sign up for a fitness room. That is, sarcasm sometimes allows partners to completely change their behavior without losing the most important thing - their mutual love.