Irony is a concept that everyone kind of gets, but in class of brilliant students only one hand went up when the teacher asked for the definition of irony.

Why did I know?

Because the misuse of irony is not allowed in the May’s house.  Don’t even get me started on why a “black fly in your chardonay” is unfortunate, but not ironic.

I learned the definition of irony, from Reality Bites … one of the last GenX young adult classics.

Here’s the scene:

Lelaina: I mean, these job interviews, Troy… The word “vivisection” a staggering understatement. I mean, can you define irony?
Troy: Its when the actual meaning is the complete opposite from the literal meaning.
Lelaina: My God, where were you when I needed you today?

Memorize it … and then you won’t be caught misusing irony.