[Irony and cynicism as forms of defense]

Irony and Cynicism are understood to be defense mechanisms. The principle of opposites explains Irony best: it serves the purpose of avoiding the negative affect of a state by maintaining its dialectic opposite. Irony can thus be attributed to counter-cathexis. Cynicism has already been shown in its historical development to be a form of denial with the purpose to minimize the importance of the object. Sarcasm is not a defense but a form of aggressive discharge.