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What is an example of verbal irony in "Raymond's Run"?

Verbal irony happens when a speaking character says something different than what the literal or usual meaning is. Verbal irony is intentionally done by the speaker. Three common types of verbal irony are sarcasm, overstatement, and understatement.  


A good example from "Raymond's Run" is when Squeaky comes across Gretchen, Rosie, and Mary Louise. Squeaky and Raymond are on their way to the races when they come across the three girls. A little bit of smack talk ensues. One of the girls then decides to start talking to Raymond. Squeaky is absolutely not having any of that. She's there to protect her brother. She tells the girls that if they have anything to say to Raymond, they can say it to her. Rosie responds by asking if Squeaky is Raymond's mother, and Squeaky says yes. Squeaky then says that she'll be all of their mothers if they keep talking.  



“What are you, his mother?” sasses Rosie.


“That’s right, Fatso. And the next word out of anybody and I’ll be their mother too.”  



Obviously, Squeaky knows she is not Raymond's mother, and everybody knows she can't become a mom to the rest of the girls. It's verbal irony because what Squeaky says is not meant to be taken literally. What Squeaky means is that she is protective of Raymond like a mom. She also means that she can and will enforce punishments on the other girls like a mom would.

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