Sarcasm Spurs Creative Thinking

by ParentCo. April 18, 2016

Sarcasm involves constructing or exposing contradictions between intended meanings. It is the most common form of verbal irony—that is, allowing people to say exactly what they do not mean. Often we use it to humorously convey disapproval or scorn. “Pat, don't work so hard!” a boss might say, for example, on catching his assistant surfing the Web. And yet behavioral scientists Li Huang of INSEAD business school, Adam D. Galinsky of Columbia University and I have found that sarcasm may also offer an unexpected psychological payoff: greater creativity. The use of sarcasm, in fact, appears to promote creativity for those on both the giving and receiving end of the exchange. Instead of avoiding snarky remarks completely, our research suggests that, used with care and in moderation, clever quips can trigger creative sparks. Why might verbal irony enhance creativity? Sarcasm's challenge is that the message sounds serious but should not be taken literally. One way to overcome this is through tone—as when exaggerated speech indicates the facetiousness of a message. We need to think outside the box to generate and decipher ironic comments. That means sarcasm may lead to clearer, more creative thinking. Given the risks, your best bet is to keep conversational zingers limited to those you know well, lest you cause offense. But on occasions when you do enjoy such repartee, you may also boost your creative thinking. To borrow another quote from Wilde, “It is the critical spirit that creates.”
Source: Scientific American



ParentCo.

Author



Also in Conversations

father reading book to son and daughter
3 Ways to Raise Children who Love to Read

by Joy Turner

What if our children say “reading is boring”—how do we reset their love of reading? Here are 3 ways to put the spark back into your children’s love for books.

Continue Reading

Kid Made Recipe: Funfetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

by ParentCo.

Add rainbow sprinkles to a package of store bought cookie mix and you’re halfway done already. Who needs the ice cream truck?

Continue Reading

child playing in graden
5 Things I Hope My Children Learn From Growing a Vegetable Garden

by ParentCo.

There are endless other little lessons that I hope my children pick up on through gardening. I'm looking forward to the ones they point out to me someday.

Continue Reading