Sarcasm is a special “tool” that can be honed and used for good or bad. If you're being sarcastic at the wrong time or with the wrong people, you can actually hurt other people's feelings. However, sarcasm can also elicit laughter and smiles as long as you use it in a good joke and avoid using it to insult other people. Sarcasm also makes it easier for you to deal with people who like to put other people down.
Step
Step 1. Define your target precisely
Avoid people who can hurt you (both physically and mentally) or the authorities. Being sarcastic with teachers or the police can actually get you in trouble. If you want to respect your teacher or another adult, use language that reflects respect/politeness.
Step 2. Reflect wisdom and empathy
Try not to tell jokes about things other people care about, like weight. Of course it's very unreasonable when, for example, you repeatedly tell jokes about a fat friend.
Step 3. Tell your jokes quickly
If you wait too long, the joke will lose its "value" and make you sound weird. A good way to think of a possible joke is to look at the person in question and give him a small smile, as if you were thinking about something. If you manage to think of a joke, say it. If not, smile a little wider, then shake your head and look the other way. Expressions such as "It's a waste of time to make jokes about you" can sometimes be the best way to make jokes about the person in question. Don't wait too long because it will make you sound weird.
Step 4. Throw in the fun
Pay close attention to the appearance and clothing of others. When looking at someone, look at their clothes. Who is the famous person with strange taste/style of dress that you remember when you see that person?
Step 5. Listen carefully to what the other person is saying
Many people often throw "bait" that you can take advantage of. You don't have to make him feel uncomfortable; just point out the error that exists in his opinion or speech. In addition, sarcasm can be shown in various forms:
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Proof by contradiction or reductio ad absurdum (most useful in this situation)
- Point out that other people's comments sound ridiculous.
- As an example:
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“No, you DON'T NEED IT. Point!"
- “Yes, we NEED NOTHING except, food, air and water. In that case, we might as well just stay in the cave and hunt big animals for daily food."
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Past experience (also useful in situations like this)
- Show the other person that he doesn't have the abilities he speaks of.
- As an example:
- “I can teach you about sarcasm. I'm a great writer!"
- "Ah, your writing was rejected ten times, still proud!"
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Random/any example:
- "Where's my toothpaste?"
- "In Hong Kong! Yes, in the bathroom!"
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Fact reversal
- Say the exact opposite to show that the answer to the question is obvious.
- As an example:
- "Do you think this dress makes me look fat?"
- "When have you ever been skinny?"
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Reverse meaning
- Say the opposite of what you mean.
- As an example:
- "Cool!" or “That's great!” instead of “No!”
- "Agreed!" or “Whatever” instead of “I'm still not sure.”
- "This is important!" instead of "It's not important."
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Exaggerated
- Calm the interlocutor.
- As an example:
- "I don't think Yura likes me."
- "Yeah, he must really hate you, right?"
- Play the role assigned by the interlocutor through his comments.
- As an example:
- "Can you shut up, can't you?"
- "Oh, I'm sorry, my queen. Want me to get some tea?"
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The obvious alternative
- Suggest another reason why something happened.
- As an example:
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“You stole my homework to copy, right?”
- "No! I didn't do it!"
- “Hmm… Then my housework must be eaten by dogs.” (an obvious alternative to the statement “You stole my homework!”)
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Equalization
- Ask someone about how to do something you've already done.
- For example: “Can you teach me how to type on the keyboard?”
Step 6. Don't overuse your talents
If you're always showing sarcasm, there's a good chance people won't talk to you. Remember that the more friends you have, the more targets there are. Make sure your jokes stay positive so people will like them (even if your jokes are personal).
Step 7. Make sure your target knows you're not taking your words seriously, but don't say “Just kidding
“Try to think more creatively. Follow the KST rules: you can wink at the other person, grin, or laugh. Use body language. Usually, you can also tell jokes while pushing your target "spoiled". However, be careful that your target doesn't fall onto the road and get hit by a car after you push it or (worse) fall into a ravine. At least, if he falls into a ravine, make sure there is a trampoline under the ravine.
Tips
- Remember the rule of the three Ts: tact, timing, and target.
- Don't insult the other person in the argument as doing so will only keep the argument going. Use sarcasm only to show the other person that his insults won't affect you and he's just wasting your time and his own.
- Show people who want to put you down that they can't ruin your day. Sarcasm can defuse verbal conflict. If someone tries to belittle you or uses abusive language, put on a bad face and say, “Tskck… aggressive” or “Ouch, did I offend you?”
- When choosing a target, make sure the target understands the concept of sarcasm. Usually, children don't make good targets because they tend to take sarcasm seriously. Keep in mind that most children don't really understand sarcasm until they are 12 years old.
- When someone is being sarcastic to you, try not to swear or say dirty things in front of children.
Warning
- Don't say things that make other people reply to you. There may be someone who is more agile and more sarcastic than you. After that, there is a chance that your words will not be taken seriously anymore.
- Don't be sarcastic to people who can't take jokes, people who don't have a sense of humor, or people who just don't want to hear sarcasm. If you keep doing it, you could hurt her feelings or make her cry.
- Recognize the boundaries of sarcasm. You can hurt your friends' feelings if you joke about issues that are very sensitive to them.
- Be careful with sarcasm in online communication. Read the article on how to recognize sarcasm in writing to find out how to make the sarcasm you throw more obvious.
- Don't give the impression that your existence prevents others from being able to freely say or do something without being ridiculed. Make sure people are still comfortable to come and chat with you.
- In addition, make sure you also show the right appearance/expression.
