Sarcasm isn’t necessarily intended to be “hurtful”. More typically it would be used to convey a feeling of displeasure on the part of the speaker. If I was disappointed that I didn’t get more help in doing some task, I might say sarcastically “Thanks for all your help”. These are the exact same words I might use to genuinely express gratitude, but I’d use a very different tone of voice. It’s essentially equivalent to “I’m disappointed that you didn’t help me more” which isn’t hurtful.

Both are different.

Irony is usually in the form of a situation - that is, an ironic situation. It is when two things contradict each other... Yes, when situations are contradictory. Or, when a situation is "funny" because it is not what one would ordinarily expect.

For example, a traffic warden being issued a parking ticket... This is "ironic" because a traffic warden issues people parking tickets for a living, and hence you would not expect him to receive one, so for him to receive one is ironic.

Sarcasm is in speech, and it is a form of speech that is clearly insincere. It is very common in Britian, and it is usually used for emphasis.

For example, you point out something very obvious like "it is hot in the summer."

I respond, "oh, really?!" in exaggerated astonishment, and my astonishment here is sarcasm; I know it is hot in the summer, so why are you telling me this?

Another example:

I am terribly ill and incessantly coughing; you, quite stupidly, ask me, "oh! Are you sick?"

I sarcastically respond, "no, I am just great!"

Of course I am not great - I say I am sarcastically.

And what is the reason for my sarcasm? It is because you asked a pointless question to which you already know the answer.

Also, there is satire, and this is essentially comedy and humour. Mockery can be another way to describe it.

I am sorry if my examples are poor, but I hope the above helps you understand!

Irony usually has a humourous effect. Sarcasm is usually hurtful. New Oxford American Dictionary irony | ˈaɪrəni | noun (plural ironies) 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. sarcasm | ˈsɑrˌkæzəm | noun the use of irony to mock or convey contempt: his voice, hardened by sarcasm, could not hide his resentment.

Sarcasm is when someone want to talk something negative about anothe people. For example, when you feel awful, bad and you say "Oh, it is great! I never feel better" it could be sarcasm. Irony is lighter than sarcasm. It is a kind of bad joke and really meaning is before "first" meaning. When you talk with someone who like bad, has old clothes and his/her mood is poor you could say "What a beautiful dress!" (you mean: you look bad, what's happened?) I hope that I help you a little :)

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