Humor, Wit et al

This table is from Fowler's Modern English Usage. It succinctly draws the distinctions between such various forms of linguistic manuever as wit and sarcasm. While not always applicable, it is none the less, charming and insightful.

  MOTIVE OR AIM PROVINCE METHOD OR MEANS AUDIENCE
humor discovery human nature observation the sympathetic
wit throwing light words and ideas surprise theintelligent
satire amendment morals and manners accentuation the self satisfied
sarcasm inflicting pain faults and foibles inversion victim and bystander
invective discredit misconduct direct statement the public
irony exclusiveness statement of facts mystification an inner circle
cynicism self justification morals exposure of nakedness the respectable
the sardonic self relief adversity pessimism self


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