Isn't it Ironic?

i·ro·ny
1. The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.
2. An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.
3. A literary style employing such contrasts for humorous or rhetorical effect.



After overhearing a caller on NPR this morning I was moved to discuss irony and its over and misuse in many peoples vocabulary. There are many types of irony; Socratic, Roman, historical and cosmic yet all types of irony revolve around the notion of incongruity, or a disconnect between our understanding and what actually happened.

Many of Shakespeare’s plays make use of irony, often employing an audience’s extensive knowledge while leaving the characters in the dark. A classic example is Mark Antony’s speech, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him,” in which he seemingly praises Brutus and his accomplices while in actuality exulting Caesar and denouncing the conspirators.

Another familiar example of irony is Socratic irony in which a speaker feigns ignorance in order to expose their opponents weakness. Although not comparable to the genius of Socrates, Sacha Baron Cohen a.k.a Ali G is famous for his use of Socratic irony. For an entertaining example watch the video below.



Now to the point of this post, the caller that I heard today was recounting an experience he had the previous day, he had left late from work and was speeding home so as not to be late for his fifth wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, in his eagerness to get home he had been pulled over by a police officer and given a ticket. Thinking he was late he was inventing all kinds of lies for his tardiness when, to his relief, he arrived home only to find that his wife was late as well. He went on to say how ironic it was. There is nothing ironic about this story, it may have been unfortunate but to describe mere unfortunate coincidence or surprising disappointment as ironic is incorrect. Much like the unfortunately titled Alanis Morissette song there is nothing “Ironic” about rain on your wedding day, a free ride when you've already paid or good advice that you just didn't take.

After writing this post I was looking around the internet for other common misuses of the English language and was pleased to find this site which highlights and explains many that you have probably heard of and a couple you probably haven’t. I know I have always confused affect and effect. I hope this entry has had a positive effect on you, until next time.