A situation or expression where the result or meaning is the opposite of what is expected, often in a surprising or amusing way.
From Greek *eirōneia* “dissimulation, feigned ignorance,” from *eirōn* “one who pretends ignorance.” It entered Latin and then English, shifting to mean contrast between appearance and reality.
Irony is like the universe winking at you: a fire station burns down, or a driving instructor loses their license. We enjoy irony because it exposes the gap between what should happen and what actually does.
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