How should the ironic term be introduced in the text?

Introducing an ironic term with double quotation marks the first time it is used is an effective way to immediately signal to the reader that the term is being employed in a non-literal, or sardonic, way. This technique helps to clarify the meaning and intention behind the use of the term, alerting the audience to interpret it with a specific context in mind.

By employing double quotation marks upon the first use, the writer establishes a clear framework for understanding the irony. It highlights the term as something that may not align with its typical meaning, inviting readers to engage more critically with the text. Subsequent uses of the term can then proceed without quotation marks, as the initial introduction has already informed the audience of its intended irony.

Using double quotation marks consistently for every instance may lead to visual clutter and distract from the overall flow of the text. Similarly, employing dashes or single quotation marks does not conform to standard practices in writing, potentially confusing readers about the term’s significance. Therefore, the first-time introduction with double quotation marks is both a stylistically and functionally appropriate approach in academic writing.