Imagine these two words in a debate.
Ironic would intend to subvert expectations while Irenic would aspire to promote consensus. Ironic would be witty maybe even sarcastic, seeking soundbites for social media. Irenic would be honest, authentic, and philanthropic. Ironic's rizz? Captivating. Irenic's earnestness? Moving. I suspect I'd be rooting for both, enjoying Ironic's word-play, and respecting Irenic's altruism.
Yet, in these modern times, I bet Ironic would start a podcast and become a brand ambassador, get rich. But Irenic? No sponsorship, just long-slogging it, resolute. Sigh. So it goes in this attention economy—a shady system, that I sometimes think will be our undoing.
Dear friends, who do you think is winning the debate?
Sadly, I think ironic is winning the debate. Especially in the USA.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Sigh.
DeleteI love everything about this personified debate, DB. Picturing Ironic as a smooth-talking brand ambassador with endless rizz versus Irenic long-slogging it out with resolute honesty is the perfect metaphor for the internet age.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I couldn't resist.
DeleteThis word is new to me too. Maybe irenic is a word that doesn't get much use and therefore becomes an underdog in debate with the well know ironic.
ReplyDeleteThe underdog? Exactly. Good characterization.
DeleteI know I’ve come across the word fairly recently, and I may have even looked it up but then I forgot it. That’s not quite ironic though is it although I would dearly love to make it fit here? 🤪
ReplyDeleteHa, the forgetting part is relatable and the longing for the perfect quip...also relatable.
Delete...I'm all for promoting peace!!!
ReplyDeleteMe too. Please drop this word into your conversations.
DeleteI've never heard irenic before either but it's a wonderful word. Now I just have to remember it. Maybe I should throw it at my son who seems to know all the words.
ReplyDeleteYes, I hope you gave it to him and he gave it someone and so on....
DeleteIrenic is not a friendly-sounding word, to my ears, anyway. On the other hand, ironic is a winner . . .
ReplyDeleteIronic is definitely a winner but irenic is a worthy underdog, imo.
DeleteA new word, and its a good one!!! Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is.
DeleteI've never heard of it but judging from your explanation it's a great word.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Spread it far and wide.
DeleteThe fact that irenic is so close in spelling to ironic, yet so opposite in meaning, is itself ironic. But in the interest of being irenic, I declare a draw.
ReplyDeleteA draw seems like a good outcome too.
DeleteI haven't heard of that word.
ReplyDeleteIt was a new to me too.
DeleteStart a podcast. lol Very funny and true.
ReplyDeleteHa. Maybe I will? But probably not. :)
DeletePodcast are super fun to do.
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