A question for the English experts

[Spiff]

Hello

Is it possible to intentionally say something that's ironic? Can someone "be ironic" on purpose? I always thought that irony was by its very definition unintentional, until I looked up the definition and couldn't find much to support my case.

And please, can someone do something about people who think coincidence and irony are the same thing? Pretty please?

Thanks.

 

[phlogiston]

It's like a traffic jam when you're already late.

 

[Shannow]

It's like a traffic jam when you're already late.

Damn, I was gonna say that...isn't it ironic ?

 

[Southy]

no...shuddup

 

[Mark]

It's like a traffic jam when you're already late to a town-planning awards ceremony where you're to be commended for eradicating traffic congestion

And yes, you can be ironic on purpose.

What shits me is when people think sarcasm is irony.

 

[Winmar]

Ah yes, some annoying stuff has been raised here. According to a book I've got called Usage and Abusage - A Guide to Good English:

'Irony consists in stating the contrary of what is meant, there being something in the tone or in the manner to show the speaker's real drift.'

'Irony must not be confused with sarcasm, which is direct: sarcasm means precisely what it says, but in a sharp, bitter, cutting, caustic, or acerb manner: it is the instrument of indignation, a weapon of offence, whereas irony is one of the vehicles of wit. In Locke's "If ideas were innate, it would save much trouble to many worthy persons", worthy is ironical; the principal clause as a whole is sarcastic - as also is the complete sentence. Both are instruments of satire and vituperation.'

Now say thanks for typing all that out! My hands are cold. What does vituperation mean when it's at home?

 

[Goreripper]

Of course, what Winmar meant to say, Spiff, was: Yes.

vituperation

n : abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will

1. The act or an instance of vituperating; abusive censure.
2. Sustained, harshly abusive language; invective.

So an example would be me saying that I hate you all, that you're all nothing but a pack of fucking low-life fucking cunts who can all go and get well and truly fucked you fucking fuck fucks.

Like rain on your wedding day.

 

[Mark]

Harsh language used to blame someone.

Wikipedia has an interesting entry on the various types of irony:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony

Situational, tragic, and irony of fate.

 

[phlogiston]

Apparently (according to a nearby linguist that I happen to know) irony (used in a verbal sense) and irony (in a situational) are actually quite different.

In fact, when you're being ironic in a verbal sense, you pretty much have to do it on purpose. In a situational sense you pretty much have to do it circumstantially.

Also, irony is kinda like coppery, only not as orange.