Based on my experience, I would say that sarcasm is favoured more by men than women, both as a type of humour to employ and to receive. I've even noticed that some groups, typically all-men departments, lean heavily on it. They seem to see the banter as a way to create inclusion (or exclusion), as Bob notes.

Sarcasm seems to succeed or fail for me on whether the creator has sufficient wit embedded in the barb so as to feel the prick but not mind it. Otherwise, it can feel passive agressive and not so smart.

Coming back to the article, a font could be cool but use of *asterisks* seems to work ...

This is a recent attempt at a sarcasm font. The designer mentions it is for accenting online text not writing full conversations
http://www.notascoolasitseems.com/review/sarcasm-font

Adam, cheeky trumps sarcasm if we're assigning fonts. How about this? You start the London branch; I'll do the Chicago branch.

Sarah, inspired, truly. As you can see I added it to the story. Thank you!

James A, I'm impressed. Only seven comments in and a blog post about sarcasm turned to politics. Reminds me of Thanksgiving dinner.

@Sarah

All the more reason to pick up the flag and continue the charge! Imagine if the Democrats had that kind of attitude in 2006--well, we haven't update our message since 2004--we wouldn't have our current president.

I'm inspired to share this. Really.
http://www.comcast.net/video/little-miss-sunshine-sarcasm/91712648/

Still conflicted about this one even as I begin to type.

On one hand I think it's a brilliant idea.

The other? I'm not sure sarcasm deserves it.

Is a 'cheeky' font possible? Or a 'this is a blatant lie but in this font it's translated into the truth' font?

I just think there are so many more rewarding recipients out there.

In saying that, I'm more than happy to set up the London branch of the movement.

o

See! Sarah! This is exactly why we need a sarcasm font, because I'm sure your critique of this post was sarcastic.

Ah, the confusion and headache we'll all save ourselves.

The sarcastic font movement website hasn't had an update (or a hit) since 2004. Thanks for the timely story.

I should have added as to why the older we get the less effective sarcasm is on us. As we mature, it is much more difficult to pressure us into following the pack or following fad mindsets. Managers and internal communicators know just how hard it is to convince more experienced people to do something simply on the basis that everyone else is doing it. Sarcasm works best on people who want acceptance, who want to be perceived as current, and who are more likely to follow both fads and the pack.

Oh yeah, that's a *great* idea. If only I could put that in a special font to tell you how much I don't mean it.

(OK, seriously: The beauty and the point of sarcasm is that it's only picked up by certain people. If the purpose was for everyone to get it, wouldn't people just say what they really think?)

I think there's a good reason sarcasm doesn't work well in writing, font or no font. Sarcasm is most effective verbally in group settings. It is a spoken technique used to make the speaker appear more intelligent, while using a tinge of humor to pressure everyone in the room to agree with a certain perspective. Without an audience and immediate feedback, sarcasm loses its punch and effectiveness.

Basically, sarcasm is a passive aggressive, soft form of bullying, which is why it's so prevalent in teen settings, and young adult culture and movies.

Bottom line, you're dad used the term right. "Smart ass" is an accurate perception sarcastic people create for themselves as they move deeper into adulthood if they rely on sarcasm as a crutch. People will play along in groups and may even enjoy the banter, but absent that atmosphere, just may not find the actual sarcastic comments funny or smart.