Irreverence is worse than you think...but not as bad as being a serial killer!

Wordplay...

I used to think the term irreverence, when it came to humor, meant simply being funny, as in comedian-stand-up-monologue-type-humor. After reading a few googled definitions on the word irreverence and its kin, it appears to be more closely related to the oft used contra-eufemism asshole.

According to one edictionary definition, irreverence means lack of reverence or due respect; or a disrespectful act or remark. Furthermore, stated synonyms include blasphemy, discourtesy, flippancy, insult, mockery, profanity, ridicule, and sauciness...among many others. In other words, someone who is the irreverent kind may also be considered a typical asshole.

To put this into a more understandable context, consider this. Someone you may view as being an asshole is not necessarily a really bad person, but a person who may even deserve your sympathy. For instance, you really wouldn't refer to a serial killer an an asshole, right. He or she is certainly much worse than being simply irreverent in his or her behavior. One might call this person a monster of sorts...a heinous human being...an abnormality...but not an asshole. On the flip side, you really wouldn't refer to irreverent late night comedians Jay Leno or Conan O'Brien as assholes. However, David Letterman may be considered an asshole. Letterman's irreverent humor and even more (admitted) irreverent, ie, ridiculous, flippant, profane, or saucy off camera behavior of late could certainly place him in that milieu. Yes, in my opinion, a diddler of subordinate employees is an asshole!

"You irreverent asshole!", would appear to be a redundant statement, correct? "You charming little asshole!"...a contradictory statement...a conundrum...a riddle...an enigma?

Am I an asshole for writing about this sort of thing? I don't think so. Irreverent? Yes.