Title: The Joke's on Who? | Psychology Today
Headings: The Joke's on Who?
William Berry, LMHC., CAP.
The Joke's on Who?
Some argue there is truth in every joke. Not necessarily.

Content: In many cases, this humor comes from a character easily perceived as hostile or angry at the core. There is no doubt that some use sarcasm to mask their underlying anger. Most people can identify someone who uses humor for confrontation on something disagreeable. If the individual is then challenged about his confrontation, he likely backs off and says he was just kidding. This is used to deflect responsibility back on the person who was the brunt of the joke, stating that he is just being sensitive. In this manner, those using sarcasm in a hostile way are able to express displeasure without taking responsibility for it. Sometimes this passive-aggressive maneuver is successful in that the other takes the hint and changes his behavior. Other times, it is not successful in facilitating a change in behavior (as is likely desired), but still serves as a release. Another possible payoff for masking anger with sarcasm is that the person feels they aired their grievance, the other did not heed, and they have more to complain about. This is an unhealthy way of dealing with conflict, but has its payoffs and is used fairly frequently.