the definition of irony

[Geggy]

how would you best describe the word 'irony'? i've noticed a lot of people use the term incorrectly, which lead to some confusions.

here is an example of what i think is an irony...

"A man and a woman sitting at a coffee shop, staring at each other. One makes a face, the other one laughs. This goes on for about ten minutes back and forth. They never communicate, outside of laughing and making faces. When they finish, the man begins a low murmur, and her communication is a constant whisper.
I wouldn't have a problem shooting this man if I were in Vietnam and I saw him at a distance. He is innocent now, but in war...all is fair. Maybe I would even shoot him at point-blank range."

what the person who wrote this failed to see is that he was actually doing the same, staring at the couple and their behavior for 10 minutes and yet he rants about it. is that what you would call an irony? if not, then correct me on what irony is.

:(

[Perndog]

Was he ranting because he thought their behavior was dumb?

And even if that was what he was picking on, he wasn't doing the same thing at all. What does staring at strangers have to do with smiling at someone across a table?

What the hell are you trying to say?

Irony is when an outcome is the opposite of expectations.

[punkgrrrlie10]

Man waited his whole damn life, just to take that flight and as the plane crashed down he thought "well isn't this nice"

[GAsux]

That, my dear, is ironic. I really do think.

[Pub Lover]

"It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures"

What was that?

You didn't just yell 'Cliche' at me did you?

Well, you better bloody well not have. >:

[AChimp]

:puke Morisette

[Spectre X]

http://www.drunkduck.com/Droop/index.php

[Pub Lover]

:puke Morisette
You're one to talk, bitch.

[El Blanco]

The irony is there is no real irony in that song.

[kellychaos]

Isn't THAT ironic?

You can also make a point ironically just stating your point in extreme hyperboles. Of course, this method works much better in speech than in text as your tone and facial expressions convey your real meaning.

[bigtimecow]

OH JEEZ GUYS

DONT YOU KNOW IRONY IS A DEAD SCENE?? :lol :lol :lol

[kahljorn]

ee

[sspadowsky]

From Carlin:

A diabetic, on his way to pick up insulin, is hit and killed by a truck delivering sugar.


That is irony.

[Grandpa Jones]

That happened to my wife.

[the_dudefather]

its like bronzey and goldey, but made of iron

(thanks baldrick)