A comment that negates each sentence of what it's responding to is not using the "same device." It's being sarcastic.
Using the "same device" would be saying, "I think the opposite is self-evident..." and then elaborating.
Using the "same device" would be saying, "I think the opposite is self-evident..." and then elaborating.
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Sarcasm is when you repeat something without negating it, but indicating that you really think the opposite (negation). Saying “private sector management doesn’t work” and meaning it is not sarcasm.
"a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain"
I think the response I'm complaining about is satirical, so I think it matches sarcasm by this definition.
Anyway, even if hadn't been sarcasm, technically, it seems mocking and unkind. And it's not a big deal, but I think my response of "I don't appreciate that" was pretty tit for tat.