Irony Review

A mean old man ate a large meal at a restaurant. The waitress tried to provide him with excellent service, but every time she brought him a dish, he complained. First he thought that the soup was too cold when it was hot. Then he said that his steak was dry and chewy, when it was moist and succulent. Then he complained that one of her blonde hairs was in his mashed potatoes, but the hair was actually grey like his own. She remained patient and continued to try to help him until the end of the meal, when he left her a quarter for a tip. She replied on his way out, “Thank you for the generous tip, Mister.”

• Situational Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Verbal Irony

Tom has always liked Lucy, but Lucy has always thought Tom was annoying and unattractive. One day, Lucy comes home to find an eviction notice on her door. Apparently, her roommate had been spending the rent money that Lucy was giving her on other things. Lucy only has 24 hours to get all her stuff over to her mom’s house, and Lucy doesn’t even have a car. But Tom has a truck. So Lucy calls up Tom and asks him how he’s doing. She tells him that she’s always thought he was funny, and that they should hang out sometime. Tom thinks that Lucy has finally come around is beginning to like him. He also thinks that his jokes are funny because she is laughing after everything that he says.

• Situational Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Verbal Irony

Tim Kylie is one of the world's top chefs. He is best known for his signature dish, triple-dipped chip steak. This masterpiece contains over a pound of beef braised in duck fat. Another of Chef Kylie's more celebrated dishes is the Hamslaughter Supreme. This dish features ham stuffed sausage links presented in a basket made of braided bacon. While carnivores around the world roar for Chef Kylie's creations, it is unlikely that Chef Kylie will dine with them. As a longtime vegan, Chef Kylie would never dream of devouring one of his own dishes.

• Situational Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Verbal Irony

Lawrence was sweeping up the trimmings at the barbershop when he saw the circus posters. He knew right away that he would be taking his little cousins. They loved animals and Lawrence was looking forward to seeing the smiles on their faces. This trip was going to cost him though, and sweeping up hair clippings didn't pay a whole lot. Yet he saved until he had the 45 dollars to get the tickets. When he saw his cousins' faces, the price seemed like a bargain. Soon they walked into that big circus tent. This was the first time that Lawrence realized that he and his cousins would be thirsty and hungry. As they sat in their seats, the drink vendor walked by selling beverages. Desperately thirsty, Lawrence asked how much a lemonade would cost. The drink vendor said, "Eleven dollars each." Lawrence replied, "Oh, that's it? Just eleven dollars? What a great deal for one cup of lemonade." The drink vendor walked away.

• Situational Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Verbal Irony

Mr. Reinhart is the building inspector for the entire county. Before a person can build an addition on their home or property, the plans need to be approved by Mr. Reinhart. Mr. Reinhart is the man. He checks that each plan follows building codes before he approves the construction. He makes sure that construction goes according to the plan once building begins. He ensures that every structure in the county is built properly. One day Mr. Reinhart was having a party at his house. He and his guests were barbecuing on the porch attached to his house, when it suddenly collapsed. Apparently, termites got into the wood and had been chewing away the support beams for years. Mr. Reinhart hadn't noticed.

• Situational Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Verbal Irony