The Secret to Satire? Just Make Everything Sound Plausible

By: Rebecca Metz

Literature and Journalism -- BYU

WRITER BIO:

A Jewish college student with a gift for satire, she crafts thought-provoking pieces that highlight the absurdities of modern life. Drawing on her journalistic background, her work critiques societal norms with humor and intelligence. Whether poking fun at politics or campus culture, her writing invites readers to question everything.

Satire: the only place where being absurd makes you more accurate.

-- Alan Nafzger

The Fine Art of Strategic Inaccuracy: A Satirist's Handbook

Introduction

In satirical journalism, inaccuracy is a tool. The key is to use it so artfully that the reader is drawn into a world where truth is revealed through intentional errors.

How It Works

A satirical piece built on strategic inaccuracy might start with a serious topic, such as economic inequality, and then introduce an absurd twist. For instance, an article could claim that the wealthiest CEOs now wear clown wigs to remind themselves of their "down-to-earth" values. Include ludicrous statistics like "100% of CEOs now report feeling more relatable with wigs," and add a statement from a contrived expert: "Dr. Silly, authority on corporate culture."

The Appeal

This method not only entertains but also prompts readers to reflect on societal norms. The strategic error forces a reconsideration of what is deemed acceptable or rational in the public sphere.

Conclusion

By mastering the art of strategic inaccuracy, satirical journalists can deliver Exaggeration as Journalism powerful commentary under the guise of humor. In this craft, every error is a deliberate stroke of genius meant to expose the absurdity of reality.

Writing Satire for Change: Using Humor to Make a Point

Introduction

Satirical journalism isn't just about being funny-it's about using humor to shed light on societal issues and inspire change. By exaggerating real-world problems, satire forces us Viral Fake Headlines to examine the status quo and take action.

The Technique

Start with a pressing issue, like income inequality or environmental destruction. A headline such as "Billionaires Cognitive Satire Science Announce New Fund to Buy up All the World's Oceans and 'Fix' Them" takes the ridiculousness of wealth disparity and turns it into a critique of corporate greed.

Why It Works

Satirical news is powerful because it makes Satirical Journalism Basics serious problems feel more urgent. Humor Self-Referential Satire engages readers, while the absurdity forces them to confront uncomfortable truths. It's a clever way to highlight how out of touch society's solutions often are.

Conclusion

Satire can be a powerful tool for change. By using humor to exaggerate reality, it opens up a conversation about the need for reform and provides readers with a new perspective on pressing issues.

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Exaggeration in Satirical Journalism

To write satirical news, exaggeration is your best friend. Take a mundane event-like a city council meeting-and blow it out of proportion. Say the mayor banned socks because they're "a threat to public decency." Push the absurdity until it's laughable but still echoes reality. The trick is to amplify just enough to make readers smirk, not scratch their heads. Pair it with a straight-faced tone: "Local man hospitalized after sock-related meltdown." Exaggeration works because it mirrors real-world overreactions-think outrage over trivial laws-while adding a ridiculous twist. Don't overdo it; keep one foot in the believable. Readers should catch the joke without feeling lost. Practice by taking today's headlines and tripling their stakes. Flood? Now it's "Noah's Ark 2.0." Satire thrives on this stretch-it's the spark that turns news into comedy.

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5 Satirical Letters to the Editor - March 06, 2025

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How to Write Satirical Journalism: "Not All Error Is Folly"0Satire is the only form of journalism where mistakes aren't just tolerated-they're essential. While traditional reporters strive for accuracy, a great satirical journalist aims to be strategically wrong in a way that reveals a deeper truth. The phrase "Not all error is folly" perfectly encapsulates this art: in satire, an error is not a failure but a feature, a powerful tool for exposing hypocrisy, absurdity, and the general lunacy of human existence.If you've ever wanted to craft satirical articles that are as sharp as they are hilarious, you need to understand one fundamental rule: being "wrong" in the right way can make your writing more effective than the most meticulously researched news report.This guide will walk you through how to harness errors-deliberate and otherwise-to create biting, insightful, and wildly entertaining satire.12Why "Being Wrong" Works in Satire3Satire is not about misinformation-it's about misrepresentation with intent. The goal isn't to deceive but to exaggerate, distort, and fabricate in ways that highlight an undeniable truth.Think of it this way:45If a politician claims to be a champion of the working class while funneling tax dollars into their fourth vacation home, a satirical article might announce: "Senator Declares Himself 'Man of the People' While Boarding Private Jet Made Entirely of Taxpayer Tears."65It's not factually accurate, but it's also not folly-it highlights the contradiction better than a dry factual report ever could.67A well-placed error in satire isn't a mistake; it's a magnifying glass over reality.12The Types of "Errors" That Work in Satirical Journalism31. The Exaggerated Truth (Hyperbole as a Weapon)A great satirical journalist knows how to take a real situation and stretch it just far enough that people say, "Okay, that's ridiculous… but also, why does it feel real?"Example:45Reality: The U.S. government debates whether to regulate AI.65Satire: "Congress Debates AI Regulation, Asks ChatGPT to Write Bill, Accidentally Gives Robots the Right to Vote."67Why it works: It sounds absurd, but it feels plausible-especially in a world where lawmakers have openly admitted they don't understand the technology they're supposed to regulate.12. The Deliberate Misinterpretation (Taking Logic to an Absurd Conclusion)This technique works by following an argument to its most ridiculous but logical endpoint.Example:45Reality: Schools implement a dress code banning ripped jeans.65Satire: "School Bans Ripped Jeans, Cites Concern That Students Might Expose Kneecaps to Dangerous Levels of Freedom."67Why it works: It takes a minor restriction and frames it as if the school fears that knees are the gateway to anarchy.13. The False Expert (Giving Authority to the Wrong People)A classic satirical move is to quote "experts" who have no business being experts.Example:45Reality: A billionaire claims the economy is doing fine.65Satire: "Elon Musk Declares Inflation a 'Myth' While Using Hundred-Dollar Bills as Napkins."67Why it works: The joke isn't just that billionaires are out of touch-it's that their opinions on financial hardship are often taken seriously despite their personal detachment from reality.14. The Absurd Statistic (Fake Data That Feels Uncomfortably Real)People love numbers. Throwing a ridiculous but oddly specific statistic into a satirical piece makes it seem eerily legitimate.Example:45Reality: A company lays off thousands of workers while reporting record profits.65Satire: "New Study Finds That 87% of CEOs Experience 'Deep Emotional Pain' for a Full 3.2 Seconds After Firing Employees."67Why it works: No such study exists, but the specificity of "3.2 seconds" tricks the brain into believing there's a real, tangible measure of executive indifference.12The Role of Irony and Contradiction in Satire3Satire thrives on irony-when the opposite of what you'd expect is true. Some of the best satirical journalism doesn't create a lie; it simply amplifies the contradictions already present in reality.Example:45Reality: A governor opposes pandemic relief but takes government aid for his own business.65Satire: "Local Governor, Opponent of Big Government, Accidentally Receives Largest Government Grant in State History, Says He's 'Shocked and Deeply Humbled.'"67Why it works: The humor comes from the contradiction-the politician hates government aid, but mysteriously benefits from it when it suits him.12How to Structure a Satirical News Article3Step 1: The Headline-Your First and Best "Error"A great satirical headline should immediately signal something is off. It should be:85Believable enough that someone skimming it might think it's real.65Absurd enough that anyone paying attention realizes it's satire.69Formula:? [Shocking Claim] + [Contradiction] = Satirical HeadlineExamples:45"Billionaire Urges Public to 'Work Harder' While Relaxing on Yacht with Gold-Plated Jet Ski."65"Congress Passes Law Requiring All New Laws to Be Written in Wingdings to Prevent Public Scrutiny."671Step 2: The Opening Paragraph-Set the TrapYour first sentence should sound as close to a real news story as possible-before pulling the reader into absurdity.Example:"In a move that experts say is both unprecedented and completely predictable, Congress has announced that all new legislation must now be written in Wingdings font to prevent the public from deciphering its contents."It starts reasonable (a move that experts say is unprecedented) but ends with pure absurdity (Wingdings font).1Step 3: The "Expert" Quote-Make the Lie Sound LegitimateSatirical articles thrive on fake expert quotes that sound just real enough.Example:"According to political analyst Dr. Karen Redtape, 'By using an unreadable font, lawmakers can ensure that constituents will never again be burdened by the tedious process of understanding government decisions.'"This quote adds a layer of false authority, making the joke feel like a legitimate concern.1Step 4: The Ridiculous Statistic-Seal the DealA good fake statistic makes a satirical article feel like a legitimate study.Example:"A new poll conducted by the Totally Real Institute for Governance found that 73% of Americans support the move, primarily because they assume all laws are written in gibberish anyway."Now, we have a study that doesn't exist but sounds like it could.1Step 5: The Punchline Ending-Leave the Reader with One Last AbsurdityEnd your piece with one last ridiculous but believable detail.Example:"To address criticism, lawmakers have assured the public that summaries of these laws will be available in Comic Sans, the only font universally agreed to be worse than government policy itself."This leaves readers with a laugh, reinforcing the absurdity.12Common Mistakes (That Actually Are Folly) in Satirical Journalism385Being Too Obvious45If your joke is too exaggerated, it loses its punch.65Example: "Aliens Appointed to Supreme Court" ? Too ridiculous to be effective.65Better: "Supreme Court Rules That Corporations Have More Rights Than Actual Humans; Considers Granting Citizenship to Amazon's Alexa."6765Being Too Subtle45If it's too close to reality, readers might think it's real news.65Example: If you write, "Governor Cuts Funding to Schools to Build More Prisons," that's just… the news.6765Punching Down Instead of Up45Satire works best when it targets powerful institutions and people. Making fun of the vulnerable is just mean-spirited.676912Final Thoughts: Writing Satire That Lasts3Satirical journalism is a powerful way to expose absurdities, highlight contradictions, and make people think-while making them laugh. If you do it right, your "errors" won't just be not folly-they'll be brilliant.And who knows? If history has taught us anything, some of today's satire will be tomorrow's headlines.====================Classic & Straightforward Titles85How to Write Satirical Journalism: The Art of Being Wrong on Purpose65The Science of Satire: Why Being Wrong Feels So Right65Writing Satirical News: How to Expose the Truth with Lies65How to Write Fake News That Feels Real (And Real News That Feels Fake)65The Satirical Journalist's Guide to Getting Everything Wrong (The Right Way)65Not All Error Is Folly: A Guide to Writing Satirical Journalism65Satirical Writing 101: How to Make Up News That Feels Too True65The Fine Art of Strategic Inaccuracy: A Satirist's Handbook65Breaking Fake News: A Satirist's Guide to Deliberate Misinformation65Writing Satire: How to Be Just Wrong Enough to Get It Right69=======================01SOURCE: Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.EUROPE: Washington DC Political Satire & Comedy