Do you distinguish between humor and sarcasm? between humor and snark? between humor and wit? between humor and satire?
Asked by
Jeruba (
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February 16th, 2021
I think those are all distinctly different things, but I often see people speak of them as if they were pretty much interchangeable.
I love humor and wit, and satire too, generally, but I dislike snark and loathe sarcasm, which are intended to sting if not outright hurt. I think deliberately causing pain, especially for the sake of someone else’s amusement, is wrong.
Yes, I do now and then give out some sarcasm myself, though usually not as a first response. Some people are liberal with it and seem to think it’s funny.
How do you think about them? How do you feel about them?
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10 Answers
They are all sub-categories of humour.
I distinguish them.
Wit I associate with being funny and intelligent. You have to be smart to be witty. I would use the word clever also. Wit might go over some people’s heads. It’s the best form of humor in my opinion.
Snark can be mean and so it’s a risk, some might not find it funny. I personally don’t like snarky.
Sarcasm is tricky. It can be taken the wrong way. I like sarcasm except when it hits too close to home, then it can leave hurt feelings.
Satire I have never been fond of. It makes fun of topics I don’t find funny. In modern day there is risk that people take it as truth.
I guess they are all forms of humor, but if it’s not funny to a particular person or group then what? It stops being humorous?
I distinguish humor from sarcasm by it’s intent. Humor, hopefully gives us all a good laugh.
Sarcasm literally defined means tearing flesh, is intended to hurt another in some way.
I think they are different. Sarcasm and snark are meant to be nasty. Wit and satire are kinder and aim to point out truths rather than cause offence.
I don’t consciously categorize and divide humor in the way you suggest, for the same reason I don’t diagram every sentence I hear : What matters is the substance more than the form.
If something makes you laugh or smile it’s funny. If it doesn’t, it isn’t.
What I hate more is when people use the “it’s just a joke” excuse for obvious insults. They don’t just put you down, they want you to feel sorry for being rightfully insulted. This is the lowest form of bullying.
Agree with loli. All subcategories of humor.
The four main types of humor include both positive and negative types.
- affiliative
– self-enhancing
– aggressive
– self-defeating
It’s all good if it makes you laugh. Some people dislike my droll sarcastic humor. Others seem to love it.
“I love humor and wit, and satire too, generally, but I dislike snark and loathe sarcasm, which are intended to sting if not outright hurt. I think deliberately causing pain, especially for the sake of someone else’s amusement, is wrong.“
I feel the same.
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