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Now something of a globally-used device, sarcasm was believed to originate in England, where it still flourishes.
Sarcasm is a bizarre but strangely satisfying way of saying precisely the opposite of what you mean. In most places where it has gained popularity as a currency of speech, it is considered to be both the noblest form of wit (by those who practice it), and the lowest form (by those who are regularly subjected to it).