Josh Averbeck explores the communicative functions, mechanisms, and consequences of verbal irony in everyday interaction, conceptualizing a sense of irony as an independent communication trait.

Taking an approach grounded in a communication-centered framework, Averbeck moves beyond psycholinguistic models of processing speed to investigate what happens after ironic messages are comprehended, identifying three necessary conditions: common ground, foregrounded norms, and contradiction. By examining the diverse social and persuasive functions of irony-including muting criticism, expressing masked aggression, conducting indirect argumentation, and managing interpersonal conflict-he demonstrates how the elements of verbal irony enable speakers to balance influence goals with relational maintenance.

This book offers evidence of individual differences in ironic message production, processing, and reception to highlight how ironic communication can produce both benefits and challenges for traditional theories of interpersonal and persuasive communication. Looking ahead, Averbeck also evaluates methodological approaches for measuring ironic communication and details future interdisciplinary research directions, positioning verbal irony as a vital mechanism for managing relational complexity and negotiating social meaning.