Title: Sarcasm is the 'highest form of intelligence', researchers say | Stuff.co.nz
Headings: Sarcasm is the 'highest form of intelligence', researchers say
Sarcasm is the 'highest form of intelligence', researchers say
Sydney Morning Herald

Content: "While most previous research seems to suggest that sarcasm is detrimental to effective communication because it is perceived to be more contemptuous than sincerity, we found that, unlike sarcasm between parties who distrust each other, sarcasm between individuals who share a trusting relationship does not generate more contempt than sincerity," said study co-author Adam Galinsky. Indeed, sarcasm can be "a subtle form of bullying", says psychologist Clifford Lazarus. "Despite smiling outwardly, most people who receive sarcastic comments feel put down and usually think the sarcastic person is a jerk," Lazarus adds. "Now I'm not saying all sarcasm is bad. It's just better used sparingly – like a potent spice in cooking," Lazarus says. " Too much spice and the dish will be overwhelmed by it. "Similarly, an occasional dash of sarcastic wit can spice up a chat and add an element of humour to it. But a big or steady serving of sarcasm will overwhelm the emotional flavour of any conversation and taste very bitter to its recipient." The contrast of positive and negative in sarcasm can be used in a variety of ways; to tease, amuse, play or put down.