MEANS OF CREATING IRONY IN COLUCHE'S SKETCHES ON SOCIAL VICES (BASED ON THE SKETCH “LES FLICS”)

Abstract

The article explores irony as a complex linguistic and pragmatic phenomenon that plays a significant role in creating satirical effect within the sketch genre.
The object of analysis is the sketch «Les Flics» by French comedian Coluche, in which irony functions as a tool of social critique, particularly through the ridicule of flaws within the institution of police.
The study identifies the main linguistic, stylistic, and pragmatic means used to construct irony. It demonstrates that the central communicative strategy shaping the critical attitude toward the police system is the deliberate provocation of the audience and the emphasis on the absurdity of the depicted social conditions. The comic effect arises from the contrast between socially expected norms of behavior (including verbal conduct) and the reality represented by the narrator-character.
Stylistic devices such as antiphrasis, metaphor, metonymy, grotesque, and sarcasm, along with linguistic features such as colloquial register, slang, and violations of linguistic norms, are shown to contribute to the portrayal of deep linguistic and social deviation in the police character.
The article draws on contemporary linguistic theories, including pragmatics, speech act theory, polyphony theory, and relevance theory. It concludes that irony in the sketch is both staged and situational, with the comic effect emerging from the conflict between expectation and reality. Special attention is given to implicature, polyphonic structure of the utterance, and the satirical function of the narrator. The study shows that irony not only enhances the aesthetic dimension of the text but also performs a socially critical function by shaping a discourse of resistance.
Future research directions include the analysis of other Coluche sketches in the context of linguistic critique of society.