#misused

Misused English Words. This guide explores six high-level terms that are frequently misunderstood in daily conversation.

EDIT: Desperately need help with ideas for this series! Here's the post with more info!

“Ironic” does not, technically, mean “unfortunate,” “interesting,” or “coincidental,” despite these terms often being used interchangeably. For a situation to be ironic, it must be the opposite of what is expected, not merely an amusing coincidence. ⠀ So, in an ironic statement one thing is said, while another thing is meant. For example, if you were trying to be ironic on a stormy, dreary day, you might say, “What glorious weather!” Or if you were suffering from a bad cold, you might ironically say, “I feel like a million bucks.” These are both examples of verbal irony, the most common occurrence of the figure of speech. ⠀ Irony is often confused with sarcasm. While the two are similar, in sarcasm there is a stronger intent to ridicule or mock, often harshly or crudely. 😏

GDS 3/29/19