People often try to find a word to describe a generation or an era. We speak of the “Greatest Generation” or an “Era of Enlightenment.” While there are many words that might be applied correctly to our modern era, I think that one of the most apt would be “The Sarcastic Generation.”
Sarcasm saturates our entertainment and our interpersonal communications. Modern humor is often practically synonymous with sarcasm, which Oscar Wilde labeled “The lowest form of wit.”
People often mistakenly use Sarcasm as a synonym for Irony. Irony is when the literal meaning and the spoken meaning of words are different. Sarcasm refers specifically to the mocking intent of the speaker communicated through vocal intonations. Neither term is dependent on the other so while sarcasm is most often expressed with irony, one can also be ironic but not sarcastic or sarcastic but not ironic.
Sarcasm comes from the Greek word sarkasmos which comes from sarkazein, meaning “to bite the lips in rage.” With this etymology in mind, sarcasm seems to express the same thing as the scriptural term “gnashing teeth”, and, indeed, the spirit of sarcasm is not unlike the feeling and spite behind the gnashing of teeth.
Because it so often appears with “weeping” and “wailing”, people often assume that gnashing teeth is an expression of remorse at having been condemned or rejected, but in Webster’s original dictionary, “gnash” was defined as “to grind the teeth, to rage even to collision with the teeth, to growl” and Webster defined the noun “gnashing” in this way: “striking the teeth together, as in anger, rage or pain. A grinding or striking of the teeth in rage or anguish.” The relationship with the Greek roots of the word Sarcasm is apparent.
When Moses commanded Satan to depart in the name of the Only Begotten, the scriptures relate that “Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence…“
Satan weeps in rage, his wail is hateful, and he mocks and belittles Moses with biting sarcasm even while departing.
We were blessed in our previous ward to have the marriage and family relations class taught by Sister Marleen Williams, who is a clinical psychologist for the BYU Counseling Center. Among the many wonderful insights she brought to the class was the devastating effect the frequent use of sarcasm can have on a marriage and on children.
Even when used for friendly teasing among friends or family, sarcasm cannot escape its roots. Everyone may laugh, but like a form of emotional slapstick, it often depends on someone getting bruised.
Thomas Carlyle declared “Sarcasm I now see to be, in general, the language of the Devil; for which reason I have long since as good as renounced it.“
We are all familiar with the following verses from the epistle of James, but they are worth review in this context:
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
James 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
James 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Controlling our language seems to be a key to our ability to control ourselves in other matters.
Excising sarcasm from our communications is an exercise in lingual self-mastery. Would it not be good for us, as members of Christ’s Church, to renounce sarcasm. Perhaps if we refrain from participating in the halmark of this generation and control our tongues in this matter we will more easily overcome “the great stumbling block to Zion.”
I like sarcasm. Like all forms of humor it has its place, which is in moderation. There is certainly low and high wit. Every now and then I like a little low wit. Additionally there is nothing wrong with deflating a few baloons here and there as I appreciate when people point out when I have become overly sactimonious or inappropraitely serious in certain settings. Sarcasm can be done with class, wit, and respect. While I certainly embrace the idea that we should limit our sarcasm and that sarcasm in our generation has certainly gotten out of hand, banning it altogether seems like an overly broad remedy.
While the etymology above is both interesting and illuminating there is more to defining terms in cultural settings than mere etymology and somewhat tenuous leaps to scripture. Not to be overly critical. I enjoyed this post but “gnash my teeth” to the idea of excising all sarcasm.
I should point out that when Oscar Wilde called sarcasm the lowest form of wit, he was likely being sarcastic. :p
HL,
I understand well the appeal of sarcastic humor. But I’m not sure how you can say that it can be done with “class, wit, and respect” [emphasis mine]. It seems to me that by definition sarcasm precludes respect.
Sarcasm: 1) A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound. 2) A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.3) The use of sarcasm.
As far as I can see, the definition leaves no room for respect.
Sarcasm is often used to deflate the pompous and self-important. Pompousness and self-importance are not deserving of respect.
I see sarcasm is a tool that can be used for good or evil. Sarcasm can be used by righteous people to reveal the foolishness of sin or evil. Sarcasm might serve the positive purpose of making the unrealized and apparent truth even more obvious.
I think my favorite cutting remark comes from Job:
becomes a mark for sarcasm in the Hebrew Bible:
Jesus was/is fond of using hyperbole at times, deliberate over-exaggeration that has a comic effect. This might be understood also as a form of sarcasm. I think sometimes the sarcasm and over-exaggeration Jesus used isn’t appreciated for what it is (as some wag said about Shakespeare, the gospels are so full of cliche):
In the spirit of this post, it is interesting to contemplate that one of the cruelest punishments suffered by God’s chosen people (the house of Israel) has been to become the butt of verbal (as well as physical) abuse or to become “a hiss and a byword.” Here is a link for all the scriptures that use the word “byword”:
http://scriptures.lds.org/query?words=byword&search.x=0&search.y=0&search=Search
The Jewish community has had to create special organizations to defend themselves from slander, hate speech, etc. Sarcasm is only the beginning of what they have suffered.
I have worked hard to eliminate sarcasm from my speech and writing. I find that I fall into it rather easily when around certain people, and derive much pleasure from it. However, when I am in a sarcastic mood, it is difficult for me to experience genuine joy, which is a high price to pay for a quick laugh.
Hi. I’m Bryce’s “certain people,” which is why he moved all the way to North Carolina to make sure we stayed apart.
Me, I’m just happy that, if sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, puns must necessarily be higher. Woo-hoo!
Unfortunately (for the rest of you), the bloggernacle brings TOTAL Nathan and I back together.
And speaking of Wilde’s wit:
“Your Majesty is like a big jam doughnut with cream on the top.”
JMW, I’ll agree sarcasm can get out of hand, especially in family or marriage contexts, but I don’t it’s correct to frame it as some kind of prohibited rhetorical stance or device. There’s a time and a place for it. As evidence, consider that both the Book of Mormon (“A Bible! A Bible!”) and the temple (think of the Preacher, if you go back that far) use sarcasm to devastating effect.
I seem to remember a quote from President Hinkly something along the lines of “Sarcasm is the recourse of a weak mind.” but since i don’t have a source you can take it as completely apocryphal.
I think there’s a difference between sarcasm and irony.
Many of you have made some good points about the rhetorical power of sarcasm. I’m not sure, however, that all of the examples you provide really constitute sarcasm. Because sarcasm is so connected to the intent behind the words, and the manner in which they are delivered, there are several of the examples listed that could have been delivered sarcastically or not. The use of irony alone does not qualify as sarcasm.
Even if there are times when sarcasm may be appropriately employed, are those times really applicable to most of the communication we will participate in during the course of our lives? It seems to me that the sum of all of the moments in our lives when it might be appropriate to speak sarcastically must be very few.
Taking it upon ourselves to both identify the pompous and self-important who deserve to be brought low, and assuming the responsibility to carry out that task seems to me a dangerous approach. Is it really our responsibility to humble the proud with our well trained sarcastic wit?
In my view, we should rarely, if ever, need to wield this device. We may uncover irony or hypocrisy without being sarcastic. The truth, spoken humbly and charitably, should be our preferred rhetorical implement.
Bryce, I want to thank you for the link to that sketch … it made me laugh out loud. And I know you really wanted to quote the line interpreted as “you are like a shaft of light when all is dark around.”
This is the best blog post I’ve ever read. In fact, when I die, I’m going to be like, do you remember that one post at M*, that changed my life it was so awesome.
Some attempts at humor are just plain mean. I don’t think that this is limited to sarcasm, though sarcasm may be among the easiest forms of humor to adapt toward derisive ends. All kinds of humor can be cruel, and the temptation to get a good laugh at someone else expense can often be overwhelming (and I should know…).
“Some attempts at humor are just plain mean. I don’t think that this is limited to sarcasm, though sarcasm may be among the easiest forms of humor to adapt toward derisive ends. All kinds of humor can be cruel, and the temptation to get a good laugh at someone else expense can often be overwhelming (and I should know…).”
So people often get good laughs at your expense? Mr. Toscanini, that is so sad!*
I have given in to the temptation to get laughs at the expense of others. You could ask HL Rogers (comment no. 1), my partner in crime in some elaborate jokes that probably hurt some people back in high school. But please don’t ask him. I would rather he not say anything about it. Since then, I have come to believe that one should consider whose image one is taking on him/herself before saying or doing anyting for comic effect. Is it the image of Satan? (Does this gratify my pride while debasing others?) Or is it the image of Christ? (Does this bless or encourage others? Entertain or uplift in a meaningful way? Does it help lift spirits or help someone cope with a dark situation? Does this provide a memorable and meaningful insight?) I would gladly trade any cheap laughs I ever got to have not hurt certain people’s feelings.
Particularly relevant to the initial post, my wife and I have caught ourselves a few times being sarcastic with our very young dauther. For example, after she made a particularly bad mess, I said to her something like: “Good job. Thank you very much for giving daddy an additional chore to do this afternoon.” I have since resolved to watch very closely what I say around her—particularly omitting all sarcasm. When she starts to use the word “good,” I want her to first understand that it means “good” and not its opposite.**
*I couldn’t resist. You see, teasing someone hiding behind a phony name—someone who (in my judgment based on his prior appearances in the bloggernacle) can take some good-natured teasing—is not mean. I wouldn’t say such teasing merits comparison with Elijah or Isaiah, but it is harmless.
**Interestingly, this brings to mind the scripture about people who call good evil and evil good. Is that scripture describing sarcasm?
Hmmmm…. I would have labeled this the generation of apathy. Perhaps we are thinking of two different generations.
Sarcasm is not a sin and it is not Satanic as the original post suggests. I don’t see how the scripture cited supports that Satan “belittles Moses with biting sarcasm.” How do you gnash your teeth sarcastically? I mean, if Satan looked over his shoulder on his way out and said, “When you say depart hence, do you mean hence hence?” or “The Only Begotten? Never heard of him.” that would be sarcasm.
Sarcasm in general is not that bad. I personally like it. It is a tool every person who loves to make others laugh should feel free to use. It is okay to make other people laugh. It is okay to have a sense of humor. I even think it is okay at times to make jokes at other peoples’ expense. It is more than okay and a sign of humility and class to allow people to make jokes at your expense on occasion. Laughter and humor is a great blessing.
This post disturbs me because if I even believed sarcasm is a sin, which I don’t, for most of us it’s probably one of the least pressing sins we need to work on. You know, Mormons and other religous people are often inaccurately thought of as humorless and it’s well-intentioned but misguided ideas like this that explain why.
There is a type of sarcasm that is quite damaging and corrosive; that much I will concede. Usually it’s easy to identify because it’s not funny, and is in fact not intended to get a laugh, but rather to passive-aggressively communicate ideas that an individual for a variety of possible reasons feels cannot be communicated in a straight forward or direct fashion. It is often a resort of the powerless or ignored and is in many cases a defense mechanism to deal with a severe disparity between how things supposedly should be and how they actually are.
Whether in a marriage or as a characteristic of a generation I believe such corrosive sarcasm is a symptom of greater problems or a root cause. Energy and thought should be concentrated on addressing those problems rather than blanket condemnations of a type of humor. It’s harsh to label an entire generation as sarcastic, but it’s worth some thought to consider why we (those of us in our late 20s, early 30s) have become so sarcastic. One possible place to look is the preceding generations which traded in the idealism of the 60s for the hedonism and materialism of the 70s and 80s. Our generation faces bleaker prospects than all those generations. When hypocrisy abounds and there’s a gaping difference between the ideal and reality, or what has been promised and what is being delivered, sarcasm results. The greatest irony is that no other generation has been so systematically taught to be inoffensive, but the result is that everyone ended up more sarcastic than ever before.
Don’t be sad, Shawn Bailey, I was referring to my own tendency to be derisive on occasion. It never bothers me much when people make fun of me. And as far as a phony name, what’s so difficult about believing that Mr. and Mrs. Toscanini named their kid Arturo?
JMW, this is a good post. I don’t think we need to over-intellectualize this issue: if sarcasm is making you less humble, less long-suffering and more mean-spirited, then you should avoid it. My experience is that every time I am sarcastic — in a blog post or in my personal or business life — I feel the Spirit less. So, I have tried hard not to be sarcastic.
Two verses from Psalms worth pondering:
Psalms 2:4
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision
Psalms 59:8
But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision
Luke 13:31-33
31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
This very last part, where Jesus says “for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem” is potentially one of the most acid-tinged sarcastic comments I’ve seen in the scriptures. It would be interesting to know how it reads in Greek.