i·ro·ny
[ˈīrənē]
NOUN
the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect: "“Don't go overboard with the gratitude,” he rejoined with heavy irony" synonyms: sarcasm · causticity · cynicism · mockery · satire · sardonicism antonyms: sincerity a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result: "the irony is that I thought he could help me" synonyms: paradox · incongruity · incongruousness antonyms: logic
a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character's words or actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the character.