Satire is a poem or passage that uses irony, exaggeration, wit, parody, or mock praise to expose human folly, hypocrisy, abuse, or social problems. Its aim is usually criticism rather than simple amusement, though satire often sounds humorous on the surface while pointing to something serious underneath.
In poetry, satire may target a person, a custom, a belief, or a whole society, and it can be sharp, playful, or bitter in tone.
Example
The mayor cut ribbons with a golden smile,
then locked the doors "to save the town awhile."
He praised the schools, then sold the books for scrap,
and called the empty desks "a forward map."
Adair Welcker, Poet
THE Swan of Avon died--the Swan
Of Sacramento'll soon be gone;
And when his death-song he shall coo,
Stand back, or it will kill you too.
Ambrose Bierce~
[n] witty language used to convey insults or scorn; "he used sarcasm to upset his opponent"; "irony is wasted on the stupid"