The Use of Humor, Irony, and Metaphors in Everyday Communication: An Exploratory Investigation

This study explores the role of humor, irony, and metaphors in everyday communication among college students at Mindoro State University (MinSU). These rhetorical strategies are integral to social interactions, helping individuals convey emotions, form connections, and simplify complex ideas. Using an exploratory, qualitative approach, the researchers examined how selected students employ these techniques across various social contexts, including family, friends, and academic settings. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, allowing for analysis of sociolinguistic factors, such as age, gender, and social class, that influence humor, irony, and metaphors. The findings suggest that humor fosters camaraderie, while irony subtly critiques or expresses contradictions, and metaphors enhance comprehension by linking abstract ideas to familiar experiences. Cross-cultural insights reveal unique interpretations of these elements, manifesting the potential for misunderstandings in diverse settings. This research highlights the adaptive nature of these rhetorical tools, revealing how they bridge social gaps, reinforce group identity, and support communication. The study contributes to understanding language use in regional academic settings, offering implications for effective communication and cultural sensitivity in multicultural environments.