Sarcasm has many definitions, and this variety shapes how researchers see it.  Sarcasm is portrayed in most dictionary references as negative behavior; it is designed to wound, insult, or taunt.  It is characterized as cutting and contemptuous.  However, some researchers say that much sarcasm involves teasing and joking.  Sarcasm is relatively common, although most instances of sarcasm tend to be isolated.  Researchers report different types of sarcasm.

Most sarcasm is linguistic, philosophical, or literary in nature.  Most researchers utilize experimental methods to study it, but other forms of research have advocates also.  The vast majority of studies mentioned in this book consider elements of comprehension of sarcasm, rather than production.  Researchers have less often considered sarcastic speakers and what motivates them to use sarcasm.  This appears to be changing, however.  This book looks at all methodologies used in sarcasm research and considers what has been most productive as well as problems that exist with the various research methods.