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Horace

A conversational and humorous version of satire that passes gentle comment of the failings of mankind.

Juvenal

A bitter and aggressive version of satire that attacks the failings of mankind.

Satire

A manner of writing that mixes a critical attitude with wit and humor to improve mankind and human institutions.

Hyperbole/Exaggeration

Enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so it becomes ridiculous and its faults can be seen.

Litotes

A form of understatement that involves making an affirmative point by denying its opposite.

Caricature

An exaggeration/distortion of an individual’s prominent features/characteristics to the point of making them appear ridiculous.

Incongruity

To present things that are out of place or are absurd in relation to its surroundings.

Parody

To imitate the techniques or style of some person, place, or thing to ridicule the original.

Reversal

To present the opposite of the normal order.

Irony

Actual intent is expressed in words which carry the opposite meaning in a light manner.

Travesty

Presents a serious (often religious) subject frivolously, reducing everything to its lowest level.

Burlesque

Ridiculous exaggeration achieved through many ways, relying on style.

Farce

Exciting laughter through exaggerated, improbable situations.

Invective

A bitter speech or writing that abuses, denounces, or attacks.

Wit

Clever expression, whether aggressive or harmless.

Sarcasm

Intentional derision, generally directed at another person and intended to hurt.

Ridicule

Words intended to belittle a person or idea and arouse contemptuous laughter.