In Fowler’s Modern English Usage, we are given the following, which is quite wonderful and which I have often rediscovered during my time. Has this ever been improved upon?
. Motive or Aim Province Method or Means Audience Humour Discovery Human Nature Observation The Sympathetic Wit Throwing Light Words & Ideas Surprise The Intelligent Satire Amendment Morals & Manners Accentuation The Self-satisfied Sarcasm Inflicting Pain Faults & Foibles Inversion Victim & Bystander Invective Discredit Misconduct Direct Statement The Public Irony Exclusiveness Statement of Facts Mystification An Inner Circle Cynicism Self-justification Morals Exposure of Nakedness The Respectable The Sardonic Self-relief Adversity Pessimism Self
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May 12th, 2006 at 4:03 am
Thanks for reminding me of that; it really is brilliant.
May 12th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
That is wonderful how someone’s broken that all down. Cool.
May 13th, 2006 at 8:11 am
This is really good. I think I will forward it to my elder daughter who has no appreciation of my sense of humour and constantly accuses me of being simply sarcastic.