Expressing meaning through the use of language signifying the opposite, often for humorous effect. Characterized by incongruity between expectation and reality.
From Greek 'eironikos' meaning 'dissembling,' from 'eiron' (dissembler), someone who says less than they think. Originally described a rhetorical technique in classical rhetoric where speakers would pretend to be ignorant to make a point.
True irony involves a gap between expectation and reality—like a fire station burning down or a swim instructor who can't swim. Don't confuse it with mere coincidence! Think of irony as life's little joke where the outcome is the opposite of what you'd logically expect.
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