Verbal Irony

What is verbal irony?

• A statement that meant the opposite of what it says.

• A statement that seems to go against common sense but may still be true.

• When the speaker didn't realize they said something offensive.

• A statement with words or phrases that have opposite meanings.

Which of the following is NOT verbal irony?

• Saying "Good job!" to someone who just rear-ended a car.

• A tall person is called "Shorty".

• Saying "Oh great!" after failing a test.

• A left-handed person is called "Lefty".

Verbal irony is when someone says exactly what they mean.

• True

• False

Verbal irony often occurs simultaneously with _______ .

Answer explanation

Verbal irony is not always sarcastic, but all sarcastic statements are verbally ironic.

Which one is an example of verbal irony?

• Telling an Olympian finalist, "You're a great athlete!"

• All of them.

• "It's time for everybody's favorite subject, Maths!"

• Katie bursted into tears and said, "What a touching story!"

"Sure, I'd love to go hiking in the mountains with a broken leg."

• Verbal irony

• Not verbal irony

"The dog sat in front of the door because it was waiting for its owner."

• Verbal irony

• Not verbal irony

What is sarcasm?

• Using verbal irony to appear funny.

• Using verbal irony to appear smart.

• Using verbal irony to pay a compliment.

• Using verbal irony with an attitude.

Sarcasm?

• Yes

• No

Verbal irony and genuine compliments are the same thing.

• Yes

• No