Benefits of Sarcasm

If you're anything like me, you've been told time and time again to stop being sarcastic for a multitude of reasons. Most likely, though, it was just because they didn't get whatever sarcastic joke was being made. 

And if you are anything like me (you poor, poor soul), then you might rejoice in the fact there are benefits to having a strong sense of sarcasm--some of them intellectual, too! Continue reading to check them out!

Explores Expression

One of the greatest benefits of sarcasm, in my humble opinion, is the way it can act as a double-edge sword when you want to express yourself or test social boundaries. 

For instance, you could make a comment like"What a lovely day" when it is clearly storming to regard the obvious change and weather and your disappointment.

The way a person picks up on your sarcasm ( or doesn't) and responds to it can be a way to test social boundaries as well.

Cranks Creativity

In short, being around sarcasm makes you smarter. 

Harvard

Go Ahead, Be Sarcastic

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“TO CREATE OR DECODE SARCASM, BOTH THE EXPRESSERS AND RECIPIENTS OF SARCASM NEED TO OVERCOME THE CONTRADICTION (I.E., PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTANCE) BETWEEN THE LITERAL AND ACTUAL MEANINGS OF THE SARCASTIC EXPRESSIONS. THIS IS A PROCESS THAT ACTIVATES AND IS FACILITATED BY ABSTRACTION, WHICH IN TURN PROMOTES CREATIVE THINKING,”

(Source.)

Elicits Exasperation

[Did you know "exasperation" means "an intense sensation of irritation or annoyance?" Yeah, I'm not just reaching for an alliteration here. I'm sure you weren't judging the title, and I'm sure you already knew that. Moving along.]

One downside of sarcasm is that it depends on the parties involved. Your best friend is probably going to respond well to your sarcastic (possibly dickish) remarks, whereas the creepy guy at the bar who you really tried to avoid making eye contact with might not.

​ Unfortunately,  if trust and/or intellects do not match up, rage can. And then . . . well . . .