Verbal irony is a literary device in which a speaker says something that is different from what they actually mean. It is a type of irony that is found in plays, speeches, and literature when someone says something that is sharply different from the reality of the situation. Verbal irony is used intentionally by the speaker and can be used for comedic or tragic effect. It is one of six types of irony that can be used in artistic works.
Verbal irony can be difficult to identify, but it is important to look at the intent of the speaker. If they are deliberately saying the opposite of what they think or feel to highlight it, it’s verbal irony. For example, if someone says "What a lovely day!" in the middle of a hurricane, it is an example of verbal irony because the reality is the opposite of what they are saying.
There are different subtypes of verbal irony, including sarcasm, cosmic irony, meta irony, and comic irony. Sarcasm is a type of verbal irony that is used to mock or convey contempt. Cosmic irony is the contrast between the absolute of the world and the individual. Meta irony is being ironic about being ironic. Comic irony is when irony is used to comedic effect, such as in satire.
