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Verbal irony use in personal blogs

Author

Listed:
  • Juanita Whalen
  • Penny Pexman
  • Alastair Gill
  • Scott Nowson

Abstract

Blogs are a widely growing form of computer-mediated communication used to achieve various personal and professional communicative goals. In the present study, we examined previously posted entries from 71 regular bloggers. We examined the blogs for the use of five forms of verbal irony: hyperbole, understatement, rhetorical question, sarcasm and jocularity. In addition, topic and emotional valence of the ironic utterances were examined. Results showed that hyperbole and understatement were more frequently used than the other forms of ironic language. Discussion of hobbies and social outings was the most commonly occurring topic of ironic language, and bloggers used verbal irony to convey both positive and negative intent. The results of this study demonstrated that adult bloggers do use a variety of forms of verbal irony in their personal blogs, despite the potential risk of being misunderstood.

Suggested Citation

  • Juanita Whalen & Penny Pexman & Alastair Gill & Scott Nowson, 2013. "Verbal irony use in personal blogs," Behaviour and Information Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(6), pages 560-569.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tbitxx:v:32:y:2013:i:6:p:560-569
    DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2011.630418
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