Irony occurs when an event happens opposite to one’s expectations.:
Irony occurs when an event happens opposite to one’s expectations. Cats normally eat fish. In this case, a fish is “eating” a cat. It is the opposite of what we expect.
If there is no “opposite” to the audience’s expectations, the situation is not ironic.:
If there is no “opposite” to the audience’s expectations, the situation is not ironic. In this picture, a KKK member catches on fire while attempting to set a cross ablaze. There is no “opposite” to work with. A better term might be “poetic justice.”
Irony is not oxymoron, either. “You’re pretty . . . ugly.”:
Irony is not oxymoron, either. “You’re pretty . . . ugly.” Oxymoron : Figure of speech; contradictory terms appear in conjunction. An ironic statement: “This driver’s a genius.” (Actually, this is a very stupid idea.)