The concepts of Irony, Sarcasm and Cynicism are often mentioned in one breath. I however, have never seen how they're intertwined and what they exactly mean. I must have seen at least a dozen different definitions for each words, often not matching. To a layman like me, this is what these words seem to mean (just from hearing it in everyday usage):
Irony: Something that you particularly don't expect (for any reason) happens.
Sarcasm:Saying one thing, and actually meaning the opposite, in a mean way.
Cynicism: Insulting someone in a very painful, rude way. Also, having absolutely no positive feelings towards something (being cynical).
However, this is what I am taught now, and it just seems plain wrong:
Irony: Concealed mockery by saying the opposite of what you mean (Isn't this actually sarcasm? You never hear someone say I was being ironic!, riht?)
Sarcasm: Stinging mockery. (When is it not stinging? This doesn't seem true to me..)
Cynicism: Rejecting towards idealism and enthusiasm, sometimes meant to hurt. (This one is by far most confusing to me..)
So my questions are:
Are any of these definitions right?
If so, has everyone been using the words ironic and sarcastic incorrectly?
What the heck is the difference? They all seem the same, even their definitions..