Title: Field Guide: Sarcastic Masters | Psychology Today
Headings: Field Guide: Sarcastic Masters
Field Guide: Sarcastic Masters
They're smart, they're funny, and they know it. But is cracking jokes that put other people down truly wise?
Genesis of the Jibe
Sarcasm's Slippery Slope
When to Take The Edge Off

Content: Sarcasm is highly dependent on tone, while people tend to take typed notes more literally. As silly as those smiley-face emoticons are, use one if there is any possibility that your message could be misinterpreted. Examine your motivations. Some people resort to over-the-top sarcasm in an attempt to shore up their own self-image. Consider whether you yourself harbor feelings of inadequacy. Once you feel comfortable with who you are, you won't need to hide behind a veil of sarcasm. Err on the side of caution. If you're unsure how the target of your statement will respond, it's best not to unleash sarcasm at all, as Mosteller has learned. " If I'm around my husband's boss, I hold my tongue," she says. " I know that once I open my mouth, things are just going to keep coming."