RT @valdiskrebs: Very ironic placard at BP gas station -- http://twitpic.com/1uljoq via @lukasneville - Christian Crumlish

Uh, no, this is irony. The words on the sign convey a second meaning that is opposite to their intended message. - Stephen Mack

Although it's amusing, I don't think it's irony. - Akiva

Forget the Cracked article, forget the Alanis song. From Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki...), this is the definition I agree with: "Irony (from the Ancient Greek εἰρωνεία eirōneía, meaning hypocrisy, deception, or feigned ignorance) is a situation, literary technique, or rhetorical device, in which there is an incongruity or discordance that goes strikingly beyond the most simple and evident meaning of words or actions. Verbal and situational irony is often intentionally used as emphasis in an assertion of a truth. The ironic form of simile, irony used in sarcasm, and some forms of litotes may involve the emphasis of one's meaning by deliberate use of language that states the direct opposite of the truth, or drastically and obviously understates a factual connection." - Stephen Mack

The sign is a textbook illustration of the concept. Absent the disaster in the Gulf, the words of the sign would have no ironic second contrast. Given the tragedy, the words become very ironic. - Stephen Mack

The words are literally "You are responsible for spills." The reality is that BP is responsible for the big spill in the gulf. Thus, opposition. Thus, irony. - Stephen Mack

I am responsible for spilling stuff in their gas station. I am NOT responsible for the Gulf. - Stephen Mack

Disagreement != proof of insanity. - Stephen Mack

The word on the sign is "spills." Which implies all spills. Absent that usage, which creates ambiguity, the sign would not be ironic. No congruence. - Stephen Mack

Silence = concession? - Stephen Mack