Is sarcasm the same as satire?
Sarcasm and satire are similar in that both are used to criticize or mock, but they are distinct forms of expression.
Sarcasm occurs when someone says something very different (often the opposite) from what they really mean. The purpose is to ridicule another person or thing, to express frustration, or to be humorous. Sarcasm is typically verbal and relies heavily on tone, inflection, and context to convey its meaning.
In contrast, satire is a literary genre that employs humor, exaggeration, irony, or other similar techniques to criticize people, institutions, or society as a whole. The purpose of satire is to provoke thought or inspire change. Satirical works can be found in literature, film, and theater.
In short, sarcasm is a form of mockery used mainly in conversation, while satire serves as a more complex critique of society that seeks to inspire change through humor and irony. Although sarcasm can be a tool within satire, they are not interchangeable.