The sarcastic side

The Lowest Form Of Wit, Yet The Highest Avatar Of Intelligence

Vidhi Jain, AIS Vas 1, XII A

“I wish people came with a 30 second trailer so I can see what I am getting myself into.” No? Then how about this one. “Are you free tomorrow? No, I am expensive.” Still not smiling? Or smirking, at least? Try this one then. “Sarcasm. Noun. Meaning: a means for the witty to have fun, but the silly still won’t get it.” And yet the poor sarcasm bears the brunt of causing the poisonous sting of contempt, and often taking on the debt of conflict. But seriously, my *dear* (even though I don’t know you) audience, don’t tell me that you have never used a sarcasm ‘dipped’ voice for a witty comeback. If you haven’t, here’s your chance to explore this brighter side. Yes, it is *surely* filled with sunshine and rainbows. [Hint: I am being facetious] So, let’s get started, shall we?

IT’S CLEVER
An apple a day keeps anyone away, if you throw it hard enough.
Oscar Wilde once said that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence. And surely so, after all, it does take a little bit of workout for the grey cells to process a snarky remark, which can subsequently lead to a sharper brain overall, through problem solving. In fact, itihaas gava hai that sarcasm sure is clever. Mahatma Gandhi was once asked, “What do you think of western civilisation?” to which he had a cheeky response, “I think it would be a good idea.”

IT’S SAVAGE
Stranger: Nice to meet you.
Me: Give it time.
American actor-writer Ilka Chase was once asked, “I enjoyed reading your book. Who wrote it for you?” She was quick to reply with, “Darling, I am so glad that you liked it. Who read it to you?” Burn. Count me in if you want to stand from your seat and clap as you scream ‘savage’. Besides, when being savage can boost your cognitive function, then why not? In fact, an inability to detect sarcasm may even be a sign of brain problems or disease, like dementia. Now that wasn’t sarcasm, but a pure fact.

IT’S HILARIOUS
If you have an opinion about me, please raise your hand. Now put it over your mouth.
Sarcastic people are known to show their affection by a way of snark. But be sure to tread with caution, for psychologists recommend curbing the remarks for the sake of certain relationships. And if you want to expound on the whhyyss, then this article is so not for you. A little zest of paprika is always nicer than a sugar-coated camaraderie, don’t you agree? Sample this interaction between Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw and British PM Winston Churchill. Shaw: “Have reserved two tickets for opening night. Come and bring a friend, if you have one.” Churchill: “Impossible to come to first night. Will come to second night, if you have one.” Relatable much? No. Go drown in a pool of chocolates for that seems your thing.
IT’S CONFUSING
Arey mazak tha bhai!
“Aren’t you special?” You just blushed and smiled your pretty smile. But given that this is an article on sarcasm, it means anything but that. Come on, our moms have PhDs in this one. Don’t you remember the “You are so hard working” when you are sleeping till late or “I am blessed to have a child like you” after you broke her favourite vase? So, the next time someone tells you “My heart bleeds for you”, feel free to decode it as “Tell it to someone who cares”.

Now you know that sarcasm, being borderline rude and demeaning, can also be witty and intelligent, if you have the IQ to understand it. But then again, everyone has an opinion on it, and I cannot force you to be right.