Ticked Thursday - Sarcasm and Gas Stations

To kick off Ticked Thursdays, gas stations and sarcasm have been an issue lately. Disclaimer--this post may include some sarcasm, so we'll address that first.

Sarcasm (as defined by Merriam-Webster)

Main Entry: sar·casm

Pronunciation: \ˈsär-ˌka-zəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greeksarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwarəs- to cut

Date: 1550

1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain 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

The bolded words highlight the problem with sarcasm: it's flesh tearing and painful. It is not as funny as you may think. When used tastefully it can be witty, but like the definition says, mostly it's hurtful and mean to an individual. There is a line and people tend to forget that it's there. People think they're being funny, but if no one laughs ... the comment probably was NOT humorous to everyone else. Especially if someone is having a stressful day ... sarcasm is not the way to communicate that you care. Sarcasm should lead to laughter, not more stress and frustration.

Sarcasm tends to be funnier if it's directed at an idea instead of a specific person.

Example:

Jaclyn: "Alisha, what's the weather like outside? Still snowing?"

Alisha: "Oh no... it's warm of course, remember global warming is happening!"

See how that worked? Alisha made fun of global warming, and didn't make fun of Jaclyn's lack of knowledge regarding the weather! That's funny.

Secondly, gas stations. What purpose do they serve? Easy ... they are a station to put gas in your car. What happens when gas stations don't have gas? They become useless stations.