Buzz
When reflecting on her eventual passing, humorist and author Dorothy Parker once remarked that her epitaph might read, 'Wherever she went, including here, it was against her better judgment.'
Famous for her sharp humor and clever wordplay, the late Dorothy Parker would likely agree that sarcasm has real value. When used thoughtfully, ironic comments—often described as communicating your true meaning with language that contradicts itself—can entertain friends, brighten the atmosphere, or show off your sharp wit. But sarcasm does more than just provoke laughter. In fact, science suggests there are actual benefits to your biting remarks. Here's a look at some peer-reviewed findings related to your clever retorts.
1. Using sarcasm and humor may make you appear more self-assured, especially in professional settings.
In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers analyzed adults' reactions to blunt remarks about fictional pet food and travel companies, among other topics. Those who made witty comments were viewed as more competent and confident. 'Humor that is both funny and fitting can elevate your status because it makes you appear more confident and capable,' says co-author Thomas Bitterly, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. 'Confidence and competence are two key traits that determine whether someone is given status, because we want those with influence in a group to also be capable of leading it.'
Bitterly explains to Mytour that humor and sarcasm help reinforce these qualities because humor itself carries a certain risk. 'Before telling a joke, especially to people we don't know well, it’s hard to predict whether they will find it funny or suitable. If they don't, they may think we lack competence, which can lead to a loss of status. Since humor is risky, telling a joke signals confidence,' he says.
2. Sarcasm can enhance creativity.
In a 2015 paper published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, researchers (including those from Harvard and Columbia business schools) argued that sarcasm can stimulate creative thinking. In a series of experiments, participants who gave or received sarcastic responses performed better at creative tasks, such as problem-solving, afterward.
'This is because both creating and interpreting sarcasm involve abstract thinking, which is a critical cognitive foundation for creative thought,' says lead author Li Huang, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD, to Mytour. Huang highlights a typical sarcastic remark in the workplace: 'Don't work too hard.' The intended message is likely 'work harder.' Both the speaker and the listener benefit, Huang explains, because both need to process the hidden meaning. The speaker has to turn the criticism into sarcasm, and the listener must figure out the true message. This abstraction fosters creativity by requiring creative thinking to understand the real meaning behind the words.'
'In this way, constructing or understanding sarcasm requires navigating the gap between what is said and what is actually meant through abstract thinking,' Huang explains.
However, one cautionary note: Sarcasm tends to work best when exchanged between individuals who share a level of familiarity and trust. With unfamiliar people, it may come across as rude or confusing.
3. Sarcasm can make criticism seem almost enjoyable.
Looking to give constructive feedback without sounding harsh? In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, co-author Melanie Glenwright, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Manitoba, explored how both adults and children interpret sarcastic remarks. The generally positive reactions from adults to sarcastic criticism suggest that humor can be used to soften the impact, reducing the likelihood of the listener feeling offended.
'Using indirect language allows the speaker to criticize without being direct, which tends to be perceived as more polite than a straightforward insult,' Glenwright tells Mytour. 'Sarcasm may be employed in professional or social environments to offer criticism in a more tactful manner.'
4. Sarcasm can enhance social bonding.
According to Glenwright, when we share a humorous comment and someone agrees with it, we’re strengthening our connection with that person. '[Sarcasm] enhances the social bond between the speaker and the listener,' she explains. 'It can also bring humor and playfulness, which lifts the mood of both parties involved.'
5. Sarcasm may make you seem more intelligent.
Both sarcasm and humor require a quick and creative thought process to interpret a situation. Bitterly notes that, depending on the context, a sharp response could make others think more highly of you. 'Delivering something funny and fitting is no easy task,' he explains. 'It takes the ability to spot a humorous opportunity—'did someone just say something I can respond to with a witty remark'—quickly come up with a funny answer, and predict how the audience will react. On top of that, timing and delivery matter greatly... People who pull off all of this are often regarded as more intelligent, and we reflect that in the way we talk about them.'
