Why are quote marks often used to show irony?

Often times, quotation marks are used to show irony, such as if somebody says:She had to go because she "forgot" her wallet. I am curious as to why quotation marks evolved from quoting what another person has said to indicating this irony. Asked by AtionSong 46 months ago Similar questions: quote marks show irony Education & Reference > Languages.

Irony is ... Defined in Dictionary. Com, in part, as: "the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning. " The use of quote marks shows and emphasizes this disconnect between the literal meaning and what the writer wishes to ironically convey.

For example, in your sentence above, the word "forgot" is put inside quotes to denote irony; that is, she didn’t forget, she purposely didn’t bring her wallet. You might substitute the words "supposedly", or "so-called" (or similar construction) in front of the word or phrase, instead of using quotes, to give a similar indication. In the example above, one could say that "She had to go because she supposedly forgot her wallet."

But, as you can see, this is rather more awkward than using the quotes. So I am saying that the use of quotes to denote irony simply happened (evolved) because of convenience and felicity of expression. Plus, it’s fun to make those "quote signs" with your fingers when you talk :) .

She "said" it, but I don't "believe" it! I.E. If you don't believe the person REALLY forgot her wallet, that she used it as a ploy to flee, then it makes sense to use quotations to emphasize that that's what she SAID, but not what you believe to be TRUE (even in her mind). Since irony is the meaning, intention, or attitude opposite of what is stated, it makes sense to use quotation marks to show the cognitive dissonance between what is stated and what is known.

While I'm being pedantic, my "title" brings up another pet peeve: The use of quotation marks for simple emphasis, when an underline or italic would be better. Used to see it a lot on hand-lettered signs in convenience stores. Now, unfortunately, the internet encourages it, because italics and underscore aren't always available as part of the menu.

For instance, I never could figure out why these options U or I are available when we answer questions, but not when we make entries on the discussion board. Did I miss something? Sources: Random House-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (def.

Of irony), plus working knowledge of writing in English OccupyPhatness's Recommendations The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition Amazon List Price: $15.95 Used from: $9.40 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 361 reviews) Adios, Strunk and White: A Handbook for the New Academic Essay, Third Edition Amazon List Price: $16.95 Used from: $5.44 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 10 reviews) No, I haven't bought either, but the first was used as a reference text in college. Just like to plug our sponsor, ya know...

I think it is because you are emphasizing that someone else used the word or phrase in quotes first... (which implies that you don’t necessarily agree with or believe them) ""s indicate that something is not in ones own words. To use your example, the implication behind the quotes around "forgot" is "Well, she said she forgot her wallet, but I personally think otherwise. " (she left it on purpose, never had it in the first place, is lying, etc.).

Using the quotes indicates that the word "forgot" is not necessarily the word that the current speaker would use to describe the situation, but is instead taken directly from the excuse given. Some other examples of this: "Senator X claims that he "just happened" to be at the same hotel as his intern that night" ("just happened" is a direct quote from the Senator, which the current speaker believes is suspect) "The media claims that "global warming" is a crisis of epic proportions" (The speaker does not believe in global warming and is indicating so by implying that the words come from someone else.In this case the quotes are a distancing tactic) "These new bloggers may "lol" at the idea of a non-internet based campaign" (The speaker is emphasizing the fact that "lol" is non-standard speech, at least in his personal opinion, and is alerting the reader/listener that "lol" is not his own preferred word usage. Again, a case of distancing oneself from a term or phrase) Sometimes you will see this technique called "scare quotes" or "sarcasm quotes.

" .

Other meanings. The quotes are often used to show emphasis on the word, but also to give other meanings to the reader. She could have purposely left her wallet at home so she could get it and use it as an excuse to go, or things like that.

I'm not sure why or how this came around, probably with air quotes.

I'm visualizing a thought-balloon, as in comics.

" "what tv show is this quote from: Alright, how to really the troops. You're a regular ____" "The quote "Those of us who think they know it all..."" "What was the quote?" "Define: irony" "How many languages can you say Thank You in? " "What is the best quote?

What tv show is this quote from: Alright, how to really the troops. You're a regular.

The quote "Those of us who think they know it all...

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.