Abstract:
A joke which can not be considered either sincere or ironic.
When used as a feedline (1) the idea is to judge the audiences viewpoint, and respond to it. When used as a punchline (2) meta-irony works as a mirror, like in
abstract art, inviting the audience to make up their own mind if the joke was serious or ironic, while leaving the meta-ironic person/comedian invulnerable to criticism because their viewpoint is not clear.
1) "Women are like dogs"
To an
offensive reception - You can follow with; "They clean food from the kitchen floor" or "they will always be afraid of burglars"
To an amused reception - You can follow with; "They can't stop being bitches" or "they bark more at other bitches" or
"They will only shut up once you feed them"
2) " Trans women's pussies are like vegan-burgers - Thats not blood that beet juice "
Some may think - "Well, veganism and trans are both
progressive issues. So the comparison is true"
Some may think - "It is true that trans women's pussies are not real pussies, and thus trans women are not
real women"
Conclusion.
A meta-ironic joke reveals nothing about the users viewpoint, and is
intentional.
nb. This should not be confused with a purely ineffective ironic joke, or with English dry humour where the idea is to try to be taken seriously revealing the naïvety of the audience.