# sarcasm, name-calling and pit stuff **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 24, 2000, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216 "2000-03-24T11:40:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2000, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/81 "2000-04-04T01:25:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by bj0rn: > > first of all…that could be irony. i do not expect it to be, so i say thanks(and what a brilliantly written paragraph that was). but it could be and i wouldnt understand it because: i have no idea of what Botts every flavour beans taste like(i guess hes got em in all flavors) and i never use earwax. but its used to prevent one from hearing unwanted noise isnt it? so the term “earwax-flavored” is english to me. No, earwax is the nasty yellow crap that you dig out of your ears with the eraser of your pencil.\ * * * – From an actual catalog: “Disco balls create an enchanting, dazzling effect of light shafts, adding movement and glamour to any occasion” _the Abrams’ bris was certainly memorable_ O p a l C a t [www.opalcat.com](http://www.opalcat.com) ---
**Author:** ![casdave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@casdave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/casdave)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2000, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/82 "2000-04-04T21:36:00Z")
I think the last few posts show just how brilliant bjOrn truly is and how weak the intellects of his critics are. You tear bjOrn apart for his dreadful English but fail to credit him for the effort he has put into producing such gems. Many of you try to replicate his syntax but you can only do it for a sentance or so **TRUE GENIOUS** is being able to do it _ **all the time** _ This individual has given you a wonderful gift but you do not seem to appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![Bucky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Bucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bucky)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2000, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/83 "2000-04-04T22:15:00Z")
Coldfire and Rousseau are double-plus good. Cadave using unthoughts much more he will become unperson–Casdave and bjOrn doing thoughtcrime, take to MiniLuv and let Big Brother watch. ---
**Author:** ![Rousseau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Rousseau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rousseau)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/84 "2000-04-05T00:07:00Z")
Wow. This thread has come full circle. casdave has made a post, and I can’t determine whether it was meant to be sarcastic or not. Seriously, I can’t. That’s scary. * * * “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” -Winston Churchill ---
**Author:** ![bj0rn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@bj0rn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bj0rn)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/85 "2000-04-05T10:43:00Z")
congratulation rousseau. bj0rn ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/86 "2000-04-05T12:55:00Z")
**Bjorn,** is there anything else you’d like to talk about? I think we have established the following points: [ul][li]Sarcasm and irony are important parts of any language, whether English or Icelandic, whether written or spoken.[/li][li]Sarcasm and irony can be difficult to detect in written communication.[/li][li]Sarcasm and irony can be even more difficult to detect in written communication when the written communication is not in your native tongue.[/li][li]You personally find it difficult to detect sarcasm and irony in written English.[/li][li]You would like us to promise to stop using sarcasm and irony.[/li][li]We cannot promise to stop using sarcasm and irony.[/li][li]Most people think sarcasm and irony are funny.[/li][li]If we all stop using sarcasm and irony, then our posts won’t be funny anymore.[/li][li]It is very important to us to be funny.[/ul][/li] So, is there anything else you’d like to talk about? 🙂 * * * “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!” - the White Queen ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/87 "2000-04-05T15:10:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by **casdave** : > > You tear bjOrn apart for his dreadful English but fail to credit him for the effort he has put into producing such gems. > > Many of you try to replicate his syntax but you can only do it for a sentance or so > **TRUE GENIOUS** is being able to do it _ **all the time** _ > > This individual has given you a wonderful gift but you do not seem to appreciate it. Praise bjOrn, I see the light! “I once was lost/But now am found…” Esprix * * * [Ask the Gay Guy!](http://boards.straightdope.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/001376.html) ---
**Author:** ![bj0rn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@bj0rn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bj0rn)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/88 "2000-04-05T15:25:00Z")
1.Sarcasm and irony are important parts of any language, whether English or Icelandic, whether written or spoken. false, not important 2.Sarcasm and irony can be difficult to detect in written communication. true, irony is supposed to be difficult to detect. false, if used incorrectly 3.Sarcasm and irony can be even more difficult to detect in written communication when the written communication is not in your native tongue. true, granted if above reply is true 4.You personally find it difficult to detect sarcasm and irony in written English. false, only if used incorrectly. 5.You would like us to promise to stop using sarcasm and irony. false 6.We cannot promise to stop using sarcasm and irony. true 7.Most people think sarcasm and irony are funny. varies by individual, not most people 8.If we all stop using sarcasm and irony, then our posts won’t be funny anymore. badly worded statement, not relevant subjects due to individual opinions(unless you are saying you can only be funny if you use sarcasm). 9.It is very important to us to be funny. laughter is an important part of being human, being sarcastic isnt. bj0rn - 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Rousseau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Rousseau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rousseau)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/89 "2000-04-05T22:25:00Z")
> [@](#): > > badly worded statement, not relevant subjects due to individual opinions Say what you will, bj0rn, but you seem to have a real knack for this whole irony thing. > [@](#): > > 7.Most people think sarcasm and irony are funny. > varies by individual, not most people I don’t know; it plays pretty well where I come from. > [@](#): > > 2.Sarcasm and irony can be difficult to detect in written communication. > true, irony is supposed to be difficult to detect. You guys are talking about two different things. Notthemama was referring to sarcasm (and, I suppose, a loose definition of irony) in written communication such as, for instance, posts on a message board. Sarcasm certainly can be hard to detect in this situation, since it’s not always easy to convey your tone of voice in writing (though some do it exceptionally well). You, on the other hand, are referring to irony in literature, which is a horse of a different color. And no, such irony is not always “supposed to be” difficult to detect. O Henry (who even a semi-educated Viking must be somewhat familiar with), arguably the greatest purveyor of irony in literature, didn’t make too much of an effort to conceal the irony in his stories, and this in no way diminished their effect. > [@](#): > > 4.You personally find it difficult to detect sarcasm and irony in written English. > false, only if used incorrectly. Okay, bj0rn. How 'bout _you_ explain to _us_ the “correct” way to use sarcasm and irony (this ought to be rich). * * * “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” -Winston Churchill ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2000, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/90 "2000-04-05T23:33:00Z")
Well, for one brief thrilling minute there I thought I had a handle on Bjorn’s agenda, but I see I was mistaken. I will leave you nice folks with a couple of quotes to chew over. Edith Wharton, on Henry James: > [@](#): > > To James’ intimates, however, these elaborate hesitancies, far from being an obstacle, were like a cobweb bridge flung from his mind to theirs, an invisible passage over which one knew that silver-footed ironies, veiled jokes, tiptoe malices, were stealing to explode a huge laugh at one’s feet. On the other hand, here’s Thomas Carlyle: > [@](#): > > 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. But you notice that “as good as”… Enjoy! 🙂 * * * “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!” - the White Queen ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2000, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/91 "2000-04-06T00:12:00Z")
OK, **bj0rn** , I’ll refrain from tearing down your last post entirely, but for arguments sake: **Please define _“Incorrectly used Sarcasm and Irony”_.** Seriously - isn’t that too arbitrary to even talk about? If you don’t like/understand/get/appreciate it, it’s incorrect? What gives? * * * **Defect borg: _“Refutile is sistance. Your ass will be simulated”._** * * * **WallyM7** on Coldfire: _ **"Yeah, he knows a little about everything because they have a good prison library."** _ ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2000, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/92 "2000-04-06T00:29:00Z")
_GASP!_ **bj0rn, you unclefucker, look what you make me do!! I’ve wasted my 2000th post on _YOU_, of all people!!!** Well, for what it’s worth, I can at least appreciate the _irony_ in that. Of course, that last sentence was just me being _sarcastic_. Coldfire - 2001: An Icelandic Odyssey ---
**Author:** ![skupla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@skupla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skupla)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2000, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/93 "2000-04-06T14:15:00Z")
I have a suggestion: Why dont we/you (I dont come here all that often) all just use emoticons when trying to convey some sort of emotion, such as sarcasm or irony. OK maby they cant be counted as emotions but they are definitely used to convey to the participants of a conversation certain emotions, right? It isnt all that time consuming considering the 😕 confusion it can prevent. We all have to agree that it can be hard to spot a sarcastic/ironic remark and these remaks can be very inflamatory. but then im just a stupid foreigner who has no right to be here and say anything so why not you just occupy my country and ban my language, it has been done in plenty of places why not everywhere. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Flyhalf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea5d25/32.png) [@Flyhalf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyhalf)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2000, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/94 "2000-04-06T15:43:00Z")
Huh? skupla it’s not nice to make fun of bjorn. * * * When you know that your time is close at hand Maybe then you’ll begin to understand Life down here is just a strange illusion ---
**Author:** ![bj0rn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@bj0rn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bj0rn)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2000, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/95 "2000-04-07T05:29:00Z")
i wonder if this is some sort of a 2000 bug? > [@](#): > > Please define “Incorrectly used Sarcasm and Irony”. if sarcasm and irony are not used correctly, it isnt sarcasm or irony. and therefore can not be understood as sarcasm or irony. skupla!!! 🙂 rousseau, you are correct. but havent in explained it already? :rolleyes: Notthemama, just call me bj0rn. bj0rn - pass me the…skupla. ---
**Author:** ![bj0rn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@bj0rn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bj0rn)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2000, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/96 "2000-04-07T08:53:00Z")
darn…what happened to the (bla) i posted yesterday? oh, well. here goes again. coldfire: 2k bug? > [@](#): > > Please define “Incorrectly used Sarcasm and Irony”. how can you detect incorrectly used sarcasm and/or irony as exacly that(sarcasm/irony)? SKUPLA!!! 🙂 - pass me that (bla) of yours bj0rn - púff? ---
**Author:** ![bj0rn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@bj0rn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bj0rn)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2000, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/97 "2000-04-07T08:56:00Z")
why the hell didnt i see my previous post just a while ago??? i refreshed and all, im not even using the bloody cache my browser supports!!! bj0rn - silly… ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2000, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/98 "2000-04-07T08:59:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by bj0rn: > **how can you detect incorrectly used sarcasm and/or irony as exacly that(sarcasm/irony)?** Jesus, this guy is thick. **I DO NOT KNOW. I AM ASKING YOU WHAT “INCORRECTLY USED IRONY AND SARCASM” MEANS TO YOU. I AM ABLE TO SPOT BOTH OF THEM JUST FINE IN ANY DAMN LANGUAGE THAT I CLAIM TO SPEAK. NOW, ANSWER THE GODDAMN QUESTION: WHEN ARE IRONY AND SARCASM USED INCORRECTLY, IN YOUR HUMBLE OPINION? PLEASE USE EXAMPLES TO ILLUSTRATE YOUR POINT. THANK YOU./** Got that? * * * **Defect borg: _“Refutile is sistance. Your ass will be simulated”._** * * * **WallyM7** on Coldfire: _ **"Yeah, he knows a little about everything because they have a good prison library."** _ ---
**Author:** ![bj0rn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@bj0rn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bj0rn)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2000, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/99 "2000-04-07T09:52:00Z")
i have already answered that question coldfire. as for your statement about “thickness”, thats just your opinion. bj0rn - just call me bj0rn… ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2000, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216/100 "2000-04-07T10:00:00Z")
WHERE? I CAN NOT FIND IT. PLEASE QUOTE. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarcasm-name-calling-and-pit-stuff/6216.md?page=6)