English Satire Vocab

colloquialism

A word or phrase (including slang) used in everyday conversation and informal writing but that is often inappropriate in formal writing (y'all, ain't)

irony

systematic use of double meaning; meaning of words is opposite of the literal or expected meaning

paradox

a statement that seems contradictory but is actually true

antithesis

the direct opposite, a sharp contrast

anticlimax

a disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events

obscenity

indecent or offensive speech or expression

violence

behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.

vividness

active, direct, and fresh language that brings a sense of excitement, urgency, and forcefulness to a message

exaggeration

a statement that represents something as better or worse than it really is.

reduction

the degradation of devaluation of a victim by reducing their stature or dignity; belittling

invective

an open insult, used occasionally for shock effect

caricature

exaggerating a particular feature of the target for comic and satiric effect to achieve a grotesque or ridiculous effect

burlesque

ridiculous exaggeration in language in which one makes a discrepancy between the words and situation or the character

reductio ad absurdum

a satiric technique in which the author agrees enthusiastically with the basic attitudes or assumptions he wishes to satirize and, by pushing them to a logically ridiculous extreme, exposes the foolishness of the original attitudes and assumptions

monologue

The satirist usually is speaking from behind a thinly veiled mask. He states his view of a problem, cites examples, and endeavors to impose his views on the reader/listener

parody

the satirist takes an existing work of literature that was create with a serious purpose and makes the work look ridiculous by infusing incongruous ideas or makes the ideas look foolish by putting them in an inappropriate form

narrative

The author or satirist does not appear, but the work of fiction shares a critique or social commentary

ridicule

the objective of satire; presenting the target of the satire as absurd, preposterous, or laughable is the essence

sarcasm

a caustic and bitter expression that is ironic (example: disapproval masquerading as praise)

juxtaposition

Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts

incongruity

to present things which are out of place or absurd in relation to the surroundings, contributing to humor

understatement

A statement that says less than what is meant

humor

the quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech

a moral voice

a moral that conveys a message or lesson with the goal of persuading the audience