Satire

noun /ˈsaˌtīr/

satires, plural

The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues

Hyperbole

Hyperbole (, from ancient Greek 'exaggeration') is any rhetorical device or figure of speech that employs exaggeration. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally. It is the basis of many "mama" jokes.

Parody

A parody (pronounced /ˈpærədi/; also called send-up, spoof, pastiche or lampoon), an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation.

Juxtaposition

The arrangement of two or more ideas, characters, actions, settings, phrases, or words side-by-side or in similar narrative moments for the purpose of comparison, contrast, rhetorical effect, suspense, or character development.

Double Entendre

A phrase that has two meanings, especially where one is innocent and literal, the other risqué, bawdy, or ironic; an innuendo

Verbal Irony

Verbal irony is a figure of speech that occurs when a person says one thing but means the opposite. Sarcasm is a strong form of verbal irony that is calculated to hurt someone through, for example, false praise.

Dramatic Irony

Irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

Situational Irony

The incongruity between what the reader and/or character expects to happen and what actually does happen.

Now You Try

Choose one of the videos below and analyze the elements of satire and how they are used to make a point.