satirethe

Satirethe is a term used in contemporary literary criticism to describe a mode of satire that foregrounds self-reflexivity and explicit commentary on the act of satirizing. Proponents view satirethe as meta-satire, where the text draws attention to its own construction, targets, and the ethics of humor.

The word appears to be a blending of "satire" with the definite article "the," intended to signal a focus on the specific mechanics of satire rather than on its targets alone. Because it is a newer, informal designation, there is no universally accepted definition, and interpretations vary among scholars and critics.

In practice, works described as satirethe may employ meta-narration, direct address to the reader, theatrical devices, and self-referential framing. They often seek to reveal how satire operates within power structures, and to examine audience complicity, reception, and the responsibilities of the satirist.

Usage and reception of the term remain limited and somewhat debated. The concept has appeared mainly in online criticism and in a small subset of academic essays since the early 2020s. Some critics regard it as overlapping with existing notions such as meta-satire or self-referential humor, while others view it as offering a distinct emphasis on the performative aspects of satire.

Related concepts include satire, meta-satire, and self-referential humor. As a developing label, satirethe's precise boundaries and examples continue to be explored in literary and media criticism.