Introducing a three-dimensional model of verbal irony Irony in language, in thought, and in communication

We introduce a three-dimensional model for irony research, which is an extension of Steen’s (2008, 2011) three-dimensional model of metaphor and similarly argues that the study of irony requires three distinct dimensions: (1) language, (2) thought and (3) communication. Irony in language requires the study of irony’s linguistic structure. Irony in thought focuses on the obligatory reversal of evaluation between the propositional and intended meaning of an ironic utterance. Irony in communication, finally, focuses on whether the literal meaning serves as a distinct referent in the meaning of the ironic utterance. Our model brings together contemporary research on irony and metaphor within one framework and can guide and inspire both theoretical and empirical research.