Definition of Irony from Personal Experience

It was my first visit to Florida and I was finally going to catch a glimpse of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. As a child, I heard its glory described to me by friends that had gone on beach vacations. To run and leap into the crashing waves seemed a reoccurring dream of mine. Strolling down the oceanfront boardwalk, I lifted my head high into the warm breeze, catching the salty water vapors in my nose …

…one cannot predict irony but merely recognize it. Irony is the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning. This contradicts our nature as humans to understand and make sense of the world around us. As we try to understand and make sense, though, it's fun to lighten up the mood with a little recognition of irony (unless, of course, the subject of that irony is you).