Satirical Techniques

An expression that conveys, verbally or through events, a reality different from the expectation. The surprise recognition by the audience usually produces a comic effect.

• irony

• hyperbole

• understatement

• litotes

Deliberate exaggeration to achieve an effect: overstatement.

• understatement

• hyperbole

• caricature

• wit

Intentionally present a situation as seemingly less important than it really is. This is the opposite of hyperbole.

• parody

• wit

• caricature

• understatement

A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite.

• sarcasm

• litotes

• invective

• caricature

An exaggeration or other distortions of an individual’s prominent features or characteristics to the point of making that individual appear ridiculous.

• understatement

• invective

• parody

• caricature

Most commonly understood as a clever expression often time considered mocking someone.

• sarcasm

• invective

• wit

• parody

Intentionally trying to ridicule someone. The goal is to hurt the other person. Sarcasm usually involves obvious verbal irony, achieving its effect by jeering stating the opposite of what is meant so as to heighten the insult.

• irony

• litotes

• sarcasm

• invective

An imitation of a work or of an author with the idea of ridiculing the author, ideas, or work.

• parody

• understatement

• invective

• sarcasm

Speech or writing that abuses, denounces, or attacks. It can be directed against a person, cause, idea, or system. It uses a heavy use of negative emotion language.

• sarcasm

• invective

• litotes

• hyperbole

What type of satirical device is the above example?

• understatement

• caricature

• hyperbole

• litotes