The Need For A Sarcasm Font
May 31, 2011 by Marci
Sarcasm is interesting. It can be funny…
“I couldn’t fix your breaks, so I made your horn louder.”
or hurtful…
“I don’t know what your problem is, But I’ll bet it’ll be hard to pronounce.”
(ok…that might be hurtful but it made me laugh out loud!! sorry)
It can be used to uplift or cut down. Some appreciate it. Others do not.
I, for one, can appreciate the well-timed, witty remark laced with sarcasm within the proper context. However, have you ever written something in your blog or facebook and twitter that sounded funny in your head, but in print, the humor just didn’t convey as you thought it would? Do you ever read something someone else wrote and think “I wonder how they meant that”? Sometimes if the comments are in an exchange between two people, those involved can pick up on the sarcasm. Often, the sarcastic humor is lost on others. It’s just plain hard to convey sarcasm in the written word.
My friend Rachel and I have long wondered why no one has come up with a universal “sarcasm font”. Innocent bystanders observing our facebook comments to each other have often wondered if we even like each other. They have failed to see the sarcasm and wit in our verbal volleys until we assure them that we are indeed friends. Going back and reading our posts without the context of the fact that I almost bought Rachel and I T-shirts that said “National Sarcasm Society – Like We Need Your Support”, does make our comments sound kinda mean. That’s why we are careful not to aim our sarcasm toward anyone else but each other and ourselves. It’s pretty much for our own amusement.
Stef from Educating Layton is another member of the National Sarcasm Society. Our twitter banter has raised some eyebrows and caused the rumor of strife between us. But, I assure you, we are indeed good friends. We just happen to crack ourselves up with our sarcastic comments focused on each other. We think we are funny. We are probably alone in that!
I understand that sarcasm whether spoken or written should be used with caution and only toward willing and understanding participants. That is why I propose someone come up with a sarcasm font to protect the innocent bystanders and those who just would not get sarcastic wit if it hit them upside the head. Here is an opportunity for someone smarter than I to really make a name for themselves in the online world!
On this blog, I try to keep the sarcasm down to a minimum. I wouldn’t want anyone to take me the wrong way. However, if someone develops the sarcasm font, look out…. (See…I needed the sarcasm font right there!!)
Do you ever use sarcasm in your writing and online comments?
Comments (7)
I’m part of the sarcasm club, although – unfortunately – not always quick to pick up on it. (Unless I know someone’s default is sarcasm.) I would definitely benefit from a dedicated font.
I’ve been called out!! =) So many people think I’m a jinormous bully and a brute – even “control freak” because they don’t get my sense of humor. And honestly, it just sounds hysterical when I write things!! I’m trying VERY hard to back off and reserve it for YOU – but even then folks read it and form a harsh judgmental opinion. Its a lose lose situation.
I’ve been that innocent bystander! I just ask what the heck y’all are talking about. I just have to smile and SMH.
I enjoy seeing the banter.
Stef…You’re. um. very reserved with me. How come?
I’m not THAT sensitive…until someone hurts my feelings…then I’ll just get ghetto…forget sarcasm! lol
I have been known to abuse sarcasm. I have also taken it out and beaten it a few times
It is very difficult for someone with a dry wit to write well and in their own voice when that voice is lost in translation. Here’s hoping someone finds that font, and soon!
Most do not get my sarcasm. I am seriously a nice person! =)
I use ****** after my sarcastic comment.
I won’t be needing one here… right at this moment.
Well.
Maybe*****
See how that works?
Don’t tease… that is totally the type of project Trina and I would jump on.