Two sarcasm T-shirts are enough. But if I were to have additional ones, I have seen these messages on shirts, “Me? Sarcastic? Never.” and “If you don’t want a Sarcastic Answer, Don’t ask a Stupid Question.”

Maybe this is a good time to define sarcasm. Let’s start with a sarcastic fake definition: ‘sahr kaez em’ – noun – The art of insulting idiots without you realizing it. (That’s a T-shirt message as well)

Now let’s look at the serious definition. The Greek root for the word sarcasm is “sarkazein” which means “to tear flesh like dogs.” (That sounds pretty harsh.)

Sarcasm is defined otherwise as using verbal irony to mock, show contempt or frustration by saying the opposite of what you really mean.

A cutting or caustic tone is often used. Irony, as mentioned, goes along with sarcasm, in that what is said is really the opposite of what is meant.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the “Celebration of Life” event for a high school classmate who passed away recently. Lee had lived out of state and the event was held at the Richfield Cemetery.

One of the speakers made a reference to how sarcastic of a person Lee had been. She said, “Some of us are still feeling the effects of his sarcastic remarks.”

I took my high school yearbooks to the luncheon following the cemetery event. Some of us browsed through them. In the senior yearbook, Lee’s autograph message to me included, “…keep up your awful personality…” The fact is, we had an enduring friendship, regardless of my “awful personality.”

I have a Sanpete friend who is a master of sarcasm. When he gives me a birthday card, it will inevitably have a greeting like, “To my almost adequate friend.” I, of course, am not offended by these sarcastic comments. I interpret them as compliments actually. (Maybe I’m just dense though)

I believe that sarcasm is a “double-edged sword.” It can cut both ways. It can be a compliment. And it can, in fact, be just downright “cutting” and a negative thing. The trick is detecting what the true communication is meant to be. It can be confusing. It can be a fun, humorous way to have a conversation, if people understand it.

I love some sarcastic quotes of some famous people. Mark Twain is a favorite of mine. “Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself.” “All you need in life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure”

Winston Churchhill was good at sarcasm.

Nancy Astor tells Churchill, “If I were married to you, I’d put poison in your coffee!” To which Churchill allegedly replied, “If I were married to you, I’d drink it.”

Playwright George Bernard Shaw sent two tickets to Churchill for a new play which was opening. Shaw included a sarcastic note with the tickets which read, “One for yourself, and one for a friend – if you have one.” Churchill responded, “Cannot possibly attend the first night. Will attend the second night – if there is one.”

I try to be careful with my sarcasm, but I’ve probably offended people. If you’re one of those people, please forgive me. If you feel like being sarcastic with me, be gentle. I may not be able to take it as well as I might dish it out. — Merrill