Satirical Terms

adjective sour or bitter in taste, harsh or cutting in tone or manner

• The critic's acerbic review of the play left the actors feeling disheartened.
• I love listening to my acerbic aunt roast people at family gatherings.
• She's known for her acerbic sense of humor that always keeps us laughing.
• His acerbic wit was like a sharp knife, cutting through the pretentiousness of the room.

noun a form of humor that is characterized by making light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered serious or painful

• Some people find black humor to be a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult situations.
• I know it's twisted, but I can't help but laugh at black humor jokes.
• Black humor is not everyone's cup of tea, but I find it hilarious.
• His writing style is often described as dark and filled with black humor.

adjective using or characterized by irony; happening in the opposite way to what is expected

• It is ironic that the company promoting healthy eating was caught serving expired food.
• Isn't it ironic that the weather forecast said sunny skies but it's raining outside?
• It's so ironic that she said she hates drama but always starts it herself.
• The irony of his success is that he never wanted to be in the spotlight.

noun the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's vices or foolishness

• The novel is a brilliant piece of satire that critiques societal norms.
• I love watching satire shows that poke fun at current events.
• That meme is pure satire, it's hilarious!
• His painting is a clever satire on consumer culture.

noun a system of government where the least capable are in power

• The country was on the brink of becoming an ineptocracy due to the government's incompetence.
• The company is slowly turning into an ineptocracy with all the silly decisions being made.
• I can't believe we elected another leader who's leading us straight into ineptocracy.
• The team's lack of coordination and communication has turned them into an ineptocracy on the field.