satire

The word “satire” means a form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society. In plain terms, using humor or exaggeration to mock and criticize something, usually to make a point.

“Satire” is pronounced SA-teye-uh (/ˈsætaɪɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “satire” used in a sentence: “The show is a satire of modern political life.”

“Satire” is a noun.

The word “satire” comes from Latin. From Latin satira, originally referring to a mixed, varied composition; the spelling later shifted under the mistaken belief it was connected to the Greek "satyr," though the two words are historically unrelated.

“Satire” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Satire is a broad form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society, while parody specifically imitates the style of a particular work, genre, or person for comic or critical effect. Parody can be a technique used within satire, but satire's goal is social or political critique rather than imitation alone.

Satire is typically a longer, crafted piece of writing, art, or performance aimed at criticizing society or institutions through humor and irony, while sarcasm is a sharp, mocking remark made in speech or writing, usually aimed at an individual in the moment. Satire is a genre; sarcasm is a rhetorical device.

Satire commonly relies on humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose flaws in people, institutions, or society. These techniques let the satirist criticize a target indirectly, often making the critique more memorable or pointed than a straightforward statement would be.