verbal irony

[ vur-buhl ahy-ruh-nee, ahyer- ]

noun

1. irony in which a person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbal irony¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

This is an example of verbal irony.

From Washington Post

The most common form of verbal irony, sarcasm is often used to humorously convey thinly veiled disapproval or scorn.

From Salon