Laughter Through Tears: The Democratizing Power of Irony and Sarcasm in the Commentaries of Samuel (Samo) Marec and Tomáš Hudák

Anna SÁMELOVÁ  – Mária STANKOVÁ 

https://doi.org/10.53465/JAP.2025.9788022552806.459-471

 

Abstract: Indirect forms of communication, such as irony and sarcasm, initially seem to convey clear messages, yet they often conceal deeper meanings. Their primary purpose is to deliver sharp, malicious mockery of ideas, their proponents, and supporters by contrasting semantic extremes. Typically, an author designs these as positive, humorous messages, expecting the reader to interpret them as negative ridicule. However, the gap between the literal and actual meanings of ironic and sarcastic statements can enlighten — not only when the receiver recognises the underlying intention but also when they misinterpret it. This pragmatic analysis of language, as used in the comments of Samuel (Samo) Marec (Denník Sme) and Tomáš Hudák (Denník N), aims to highlight the democratising power of irony and sarcasm, regardless of whether their meanings are understood literally or figuratively.

Keywords: irony, sarcasm, pragmatic analysis, Samuel (Samo) Marec, Tomáš Hudák

Fulltext: PDF

Language of the paper: English

Online publication date: 23 December 2025

Pages: 459 – 471

 

ISBN: 978-80-225-5280-6 (online), 978-80-225-5279-0

ISSN: 2729-8973 (online), 2729-8981

Publisher: Bratislava University of Economics and Business, Vydavateľstvo Ekonóm

 

How to cite this conference proceedings paper (APA 7^th Edition):

Sámelová, S., & Stanková, M. (2025). Laughter Through Tears: The Democratizing Power of Irony and Sarcasm in the Commentaries of Samuel (Samo) Marec and Tomáš Hudák. In R. Štefančík (Ed.), Jazyk a politika. Na pomedzí lingvistiky a politológie X (pp. 459–471). Vydavateľstvo Ekonóm. https://doi.org/10.53465/JAP.2025.9788022552806.459-471