Wednesday Words: Isn’t it ironic? Ummm…no.
My friend Pete Parker suggested that I discuss the use (or mis-use) of the word “ironic”. It has been a mis-used word for decades actually, but Alanis Morissette’s hit song from 1996 gave the controversy new life. In the song, she sings examples of situations which actually aren’t ironic at all. They are “incongruous”, which means “lacking in harmony”, “inconsistent”, or “not in agreement”.
But irony is actually meant to describe sarcasm, or something that is the opposite of what is true. For example, it’s a rainy day, and you say “What a beautiful day!”
There are many types of irony – verbal, social, tragic, comic… The word is actually very complex, and very misunderstood. But one thing is certain – most people use it in situations which aren’t ironic at all.
Wikipedia has an excellent, in depth history of the word, as well as information on the controversy of it.
Did you like this article? If so, please share it.
I would type some sassy quip or repartee, but I still can’t get pass the ugly bedspread in the previous post.
Thanks for that. The Wikipedia link was very informative. I love how when they mention the Alanis song they say “Many would find it ironic that Alanis Morissette would write a hit song called “Ironic” with no actual irony in it” BRILLIANT. Wikipedia, thanks for holding my hand through that one. I certainly would not want you to think I was not one of the “Many” who understood the irony. Phew, that’ll come in handy at my next coctail party.
Scott – I’m sure you’ll recover and have something sassy to add soon enough
I have faith in you.
Pete – Hmmm…. do I sense irony?
And all along, I thought Irony was when something was filled with the element iron, like magnetic shavings or things made of steel. i.e. “I just tasted your blood, and it tasted irony.”
I love Mr. Secret’s example sentence. That should be used in spelling bee’s. “Irony….Irony… uhhh..Could you please use that in a sentence?”
Poor Alanis… LOL Maybe she is speaking of Canandian Irony? I mean they have, Greek, Italian, etc
Jimmi
heeheehee thanks professor nathan….LOVE the comments
You should perhaps have pointed out that some people actually invent the word “ironical” to mean “ironic”, which is ironically irritating.
People also use it to mean coincidental… It’s ironic you phoned – I was just writing you an email… Doh!
Well being frum Texas….I thought Ironic was what ya did to yer shirts with one of them new fangled machines. Ya know…the Ironic 500. Damn thing steams AND shoots hot water vapour out!