being sarcastic is a good way to get to know a person

by dh 22 Replies latest jw friends

  • SanFranciscoJim
    SanFranciscoJim
    being sarcastic is a good way to get to know a person

    Yes, and if my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a wagon.

  • myauntfanny
    myauntfanny

    I like sarcasm, and it breaks the ice at the very beginning. If you get each other's sarcasm it establishes similar levels of coolness (or uncoolness) straight off. But if a person keeps it up relentlessly for years in a close relationship, then it's a defense. A just a tidge boring too, I can tell you. (Yes, sorry, having a wander down memory lane here.)

  • searcher
    searcher

    It has been my experience that sarcasm is mostly used to belittle the person being spoken (written) to.

    A stranger who uses sarcasm toward me is asking to get to know me???my angry side that is.

    However, when a friendship is already established, then sarcasm becomes more of a ?guys together? thing.

    Bottom line I suppose is that people have to earn the right to be sarcastic toward each other, based on knowledge of each other, IMO.

  • Corvin
    Corvin

    "He/she is being sarcastic . . . " Translation: He/she see's through the bullshyte and mini-moves.

    I think humor is used by very intelligent people to disarm those afraid to look into the mirror.

  • Lady Lee
    Lady Lee

    Main Entry: sar·casm
    Pronunciation: 'sär-"ka-z&m
    Function: noun
    Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwar&s- to cut
    1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain <tired of continual sarcasms>
    2 a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b : the use or language of sarcasm <this is no time to indulge in sarcasm>
    © 2004 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

    If you use sarcasm with me you will quickly find out something about me - I hate it. Sarcasm has so often been used against me as a way to put me down and hurt me. Personally I don't "get" that kind of humor.

  • Englishman
    Englishman

    Clitoral sarcasm versus vaginal sarcasm!

    Englishman.

  • Corvin
    Corvin
    If you use sarcasm with me you will quickly find out something about me - I hate it. Sarcasm has so often been used against me as a way to put me down and hurt me. Personally I don't "get" that kind of humor.

    Fear not dear lady, for I only use it when someone says something uttlerly stupid or moronic. I do not mean to injure, but to point out to person that they are intentionally being an arse, and I have the gift for doing it in a way that is disarming . . . that actually makes a person laugh at themself. I dunno, but people should not be mean to you.

  • Maverick
    Maverick

    Sarcastic retorts do suggest a negative attitude toward the subject.

    The statment made in the subject title of this tread is correct. You can learn a great deal about how a person feels about you by their sarcastic replies. I have a lady friend who is very quick witted and loves the little zingers. There are times when it turns me off. But I often give them right back at her. We seem to know when to let them fly and when to be sweet.

    Though being sarcastic will teach you about another person it is wiser to know them first before you throw zingers at them, or they may decide they don't want to know you after that. Maverick

  • myauntfanny
    myauntfanny

    I hardly ever use sarcasm directly towards a person I am talking to (except my husband when I'm really really REALLY mad at him, but that is pretty rare and I don't actually think it's okay even then, I just get carried away). But I think it's okay to make fun of big political figures, people in the news who are acting ridiculous, the Borg. It can establish a common ground with other people. Of course it could also land you in a fistfight pretty fast. I think you do have to walk a fine line with sarcasm, or it can just come off heavy handed. The English are great at it. I'd have some little interaction with a shopkeeper or whatever, and I'd be two blocks away before I'd realise they'd insulted me, and I'd still be laughing even though it hurt because they were just so dry and subtle.

  • Sassy
    Sassy

    I think humor is good nearly 90% of the time.... (obviously there are somber times when it isn't appropriate)..

    now Sarcasm is something special.. and generally it works best with people you have a bond with already so there is a foundation of trust and security of care.. that way when you tease each other sarcasm, that person knows it isn't meant to tear down... but only in fun..

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