Final answer:
Irony is the term used to describe when there's a discrepancy between the literal words spoken and their intended meaning, often using sarcasm as its vehicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe a discrepancy between what is said and what is really meant, often expressed through sarcasm, is irony. This rhetorical device implies a meaning in opposition to the literal words. For example, if someone steps outside into a hurricane and says, "What lovely weather we're having," this would be an ironic statement because the speaker's words are at odds with the truth of the situation, which is clearly terrible weather.
While satire is a broader term that often employs irony, sarcasm, and other forms of humorous critique to make a point about society or politics, the term 'irony' directly describes the situation where literal meaning contrasts with real meaning. Sarcasm itself is often a form of verbal irony, where a speaker says the opposite of what they truly mean, usually for humorous or emphatic effect.