How to Enhance Your Sarcasm Skills

Co-authored by Seth Hall

Last Updated: October 11, 2024

For those of you who were born with the talent, hopefully you have the brain to use it. There are two forces that drive the sarcastic person inside you: to provoke and to seek the truth. In both cases, each force may make people extremely uncomfortable. So what is your goal? To be the biggest provoker you can be while making people misunderstand who you really are.

1

Differentiate between sarcasm and jokes.

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Sarcasm involves saying the opposite of what you mean, unlike jokes. Sarcasm usually conveys disdain, mockery, or irony—making it a lot sharper than jokes. Common jokes tend to be more straightforward and lighthearted.
- If someone falls and you say “You’re so graceful,” it comes off as sarcastic.
- If someone says “What do you call a pony with a cough? A little hoarse,” it’s a classic joke.

2

Get inspiration from your surroundings.

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In our social world, it is easy to overhear conversations. Half of the time, people feel the need to talk about useful information that they think will interest the people that they are around. False. Really, the people listening to the conversation couldn't care less. In this situation it is important to listen carefully because often, people set themselves up. In this case, it's time for action! Listen to your surroundings.

3

Practice using sarcasm in casual conversation.

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Choose a target and make your sarcastic joke or comment. If you find that someone has just set themselves up for a so-called "burn," it's your chance to step in. This is your target. However, if you haven't been listening to a conversation, choose a target that looks the weakest, like the runt of the group. This way, it is easy to make fun of them or blurt out an inappropriate comment. The truth of the matter is, always go for the one that looks like it would be easy to put down.
- Before you use a witty comment, think before you act. You don't want to look stupid because you already know that you are better than everyone else, so act like it. If you say something stupid, you will look like a fool, but if you say something that was well thought out, you will look like a champion.

4

Maintain a nonchalant expression.

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Act like you don’t care and maintain a poker face. Now here is your chance to really utilize your talent. When you say the comment, have a set tone to your voice, like you couldn't care less what the other person's response will be. Make sure your comment is bitter and ironic. This helps confuse the other person and make them feel uncomfortable.
- Once the comment has been said, make sure you keep a straight face. If you start to smile, you obviously do not possess the ability that the rest of sarcastic people do. The importance of the face confuses the person hearing the remark who once again becomes uncomfortable in the situation.

5

Apologize if the other person is offended.

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If you just delivered the remark and you are caught in an awkward stare with the person, explain that it was a joke. Give them a genuine apology and make sure you did not offend them. It is necessary to explain the situation, especially if you can tell that the other person is getting upset.

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Question

If someone is trying to put me down, how do I react with sarcasm?

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You can react to an insult by agreeing completely with the insulting person. For example, "You are so fat.". You answer, "You are so right. I am so fat. So terribly, ridiculously fat. Thanks for pointing that out.". You can also be sarcastic by asking for more information. Continue asking questions about the words they use until they get tired of answering.

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How do I build attitude?

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Attitude is not something you build, but it comes from anger, hate, and a little bit of jealousy. It should not be used to harm anyone. Attitude is extremely powerful and can lower a person's self esteem.

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Why is this article only about acting like a bully?

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Because some people do not know what true sarcasm is. It is when you make a witty remark about something that is obviously not true. Such as, "Wow! A car! You don't see that every day!" Sarcasm should not be mean.

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Tips

Know your own confidence level.

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Do not try too hard.

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Do not be nice to people.

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Warnings

If you try to overdo your sarcasm, you will look like a fool.

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If a person starts to cry while being made fun of, calmly explain to them it was only a joke (although in your mind, it could have been serious).

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Do not use these remarks on your parents because it could most likely end up with you getting in trouble.

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