FLAVOR OF CONVERSATION

    There probably was an occasion where we have had friendly discussions and a sarcastic remark was expressed.  We really don’t appreciate it and no matter to whom it was said it may have left an uncomfortable feeling. That’s what sarcasm does. I decided to do some research and found that a sarcastic remark can inadvertently become what some people perceive as humorous.  But, it really isn’t funny. It’s defined as an expression to make someone look or feel foolish.  It has a flavor of condescension.   For examples: When something bad happens the comment is, “That’s just what you needed today “, or, When you expected something to happen, especially after warning someone about it, “Well, what a surprise!” and when your sister spills ketchup on her blouse, “the stain makes your cheeks look rosy!” or, when someone does something wrong, you say, “Very good! Well done!”

    When we speak of sarcasm, we are really referring to the term sardonic or sardonicism, that is a sardonic remark that is “disdainfully or skeptically humorous “or “derisively mocking.” The concept of and the origin of sardonicism is uncertain.  But, it stems from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. The 10^thcentury Byzantine Greek encyclopedia “Suda” traces the word’s earliest roots to the notion of grinning in the face of danger, or curling one’s lips back at evil.  

    Professionals in psychology and related fields have for many years considered sarcasm as negative behavior. They refer to it to be a maladaptive coping mechanism for those with unresolved anger or frustration.  Psychologist Clifford N. Lazarus considers sarcasm as “hostility disguised as humor.” Although an occasional sarcastic comment may enliven a conversation, he suggests that too frequent use of sarcasm can tend to “overwhelm the emotional flavor of any conversation.”

How well do we help making conversations comfortable for each other?