A sarcasm is a mockery in which it is intended to give the opposite meaning to what is actually said, or to manifest some kind of displeasure. In this way, sarcasm is a rhetorical figure that is used to express something in an ironic way.
Sarcasm is used to make a criticism or indirect mockery, although this usually occurs very clearly. The term sarcasm comes from the Latin "sarcasmus", which means "biting the lips". Thus, sarcasm is used when it is not possible -or not desired- to say the houses directly, so that in some way the person who emits it is biting his lips to avoid expressing himself openly.
But sarcasm does not have to be a negative trait. Below you can read several things you should know about sarcastic individuals and their personality type:
1 Sarcasm can be a symptom of good brain health
Several studies suggest that sarcasm may be beneficial for cognitive function. In fact, the inability to detect sarcasm can be a symptom of the existence of brain problems or diseases, such as dementia. After conducting a series of MRIs, the scientists concluded that sarcasm resides in the para-hippocampal gyrus, the part of the brain associated with memory. You already have a good reason to sharpen the wit.
2 Sarcasm helps to choose friendships
Sarcastic people tend to be more when surrounded by their loved ones. That is why it is very important that they surround themselves with people who appreciate their sense of humor (something that, according to several studies, is essential for social relationships). Sarcastic people appreciate that others, in addition to tolerating their comments, respond in the same way.
3 Sarcasm helps to show affection (seriously)
"I hate you" means "I love you" for sarcastic people. "There may be some truth in the saying 'those who fight are wanted,' said Penny Pexman, a psychologist at the University of Calgary (Canada), in the Smithsonian magazine. Sarcastic people show affection through scathing comments. That said, psychologists recommend being careful with these types of comments for the sake of certain relationships. What sarcastic can seem fun to others may seem hostile.
4 Sarcasm increases creativity
According to a recent study, it is possible that sarcastic people are more ingenious. Research participants who made sarcastic comments - like those who received those comments - scored better on the creativity tests. In this way, sarcasm could boost abstract thinking.
5 Sarcasm can help reduce the tension of an uncomfortable situation
It is true that sarcasm can be unattractive at times, but, even if a conflict arises from a sarcastic comment, the people closest to the author of the comment will know that there is no problem and that, simply, his sense of humor is well (or that is what certain investigations indicate).
6 Sarcasm dominates the world
Sarcasm has existed for centuries. Researchers have been studying it for more than a decade and this is a trend that has permeated our culture for a long time. A study in which telephone conversations were analyzed determined that the phrase "yes, of course" was said sarcastically 23% of the time. In addition, children are exposed to sarcasm since they are small; therefore, they can understand it even before going to school.
7 Sarcastic people think at another level
Some people believe that "sarcasm is the worst example of ingenuity and the best example of intelligence". It may be true: sarcasm is the best exercise for the brain. According to research published in the Smithsonian, the brain has to make an effort to process sarcastic comments, which can translate into obtaining a better ability to solve problems.
8 Sarcasm could have played a crucial role in survival
The inability to detect sarcasm in today's society is more of a disadvantage than a help, according to experts. Certain studies indicate that sarcasm can be an evolutionary advantage due to the decisive role it plays in social interactions. In other words: it is possible that, at this point, scathing comments are simply part of human behavior.
9 Sarcasm can reveal your provenance
Sarcasm varies depending on the region and the immediate culture. A study carried out with American university students concluded that 56% of the participants from the northern States of the United States considered sarcasm to be fun, while only 35% of participants from the southern states found it funny.
For a sarcastic person, in a society that extols sarcasm through pop culture and comments on social networks, it is easier than ever to let your particular sense of humor flow.
