We all know The Onion as the hilarious parody news site filled to the brim with satirical articles. But what specific part of each article makes us laugh? How do their writers add specific elements that lead us to special inferences and hidden meanings? What’s the point behind these articles?

In this article, I will be offering a more nuanced explanation behind The Onion’s “Annoyed Man Rates UberEats Driver 3 Stars For Having To Pry Order Out Of Their Dead Frozen Hands.” Before we begin, however, its important to understand what makes the article conventionally funny.

Summary

Frustrated with his delivery driver dying from hypothermia, Cory complains about having to go outside and pick up his food from his drivers dead hands. This leads him to refusing to tip and giving the deceased driver a 3-star review. Although the article is extremely short, there are many details packed into it that make it an advanced work of satire.

Analysis

The writer uses many literary techniques to add different satirical dimensions to the article.

Annoyed Man Rates UberEats Driver 3 Stars For Having To Pry Order Out Of Their Dead Frozen Hands

Starting off, the title evokes parody and understatement. Stating that Cory was merely “annoyed” at the sight of a dead body foreshadows his uncaringness which is later revealed in the article. Diction like “Dead Frozen Hands” make it obvious that the title is a parody of a more normal interaction with a delivery driver. In our case, we expect something like poor service, not “dead frozen hands.”

Irked by what he described as unprofessional behavior

The first sentence furthers the sense of understatement. “Irked” has a carefree tone that doesn’t reflect the gravity of death and loss. The reader is made to think that nothing important has happened in Cory’s eyes, when the reality is different.

I find my order 30 feet away from my front step in the hands of a frostbitten corpse—disgusting

By ending his reaction with “disgusting”, the reader is surprised by the lack of empathy and emotion displayed by Cory.

I only ordered food in the first place because I didn’t want to go outside. It’s cold, like, dangerously cold!

This sentences is a great example of irony. The reason why Cory ordered UberEats was because of the dangerous weather conditions, the same ones that his driver succumbed to. By pretentiously complaining about the inconvenience, he neglects to mention the similar circumstances his driver had to power through to deliver his order.

Call to Action

For a piece to be considered satire, it has to elevate from basic comedy and offer a criticism that will ultimately change society. Although it is easy for this article to be interpreted as a comedy, it contains valuable criticism on society and culture.

sources confirmed Morales had decided the driver’s widow did not even deserve a tip.

This final sentence has a lot to say on the lives of low-paid workers, especially in the delivery business, who rely on tips to sustain themselves. Cory, throughout the article, is painted as someone who doesn’t care much about his dispensable money. He is able to order UberEats and gets mad when he doesn’t get his way. He is likely fully capable to tip his driver, but chooses not to at the slightest inconvenience.

Additionally, this article has a lot to say about the growing class and economic divide. Cory repeatedly calls his driver “lazy”, when he himself is the one who refuses to go outside, and chooses to order delivery for his convenience.

Overall, the article shines a light on socioeconomic divisions, while also using elements of satire to make it funny.