sarcasm

American  

[sahr-kaz-uhm] / ˈsɑr kæz əm /

noun

1. harsh, cutting, or bitter derision, often using irony to point out the deficiencies or failings of someone or something.

   He resorts to sarcasm when he senses he’s losing an argument.

   Synonyms:

   ridicule, bitterness, sardonicism

2. a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark.

   a review full of sarcasms.

   Synonyms:

   jeer

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sarcasm British  

/ ˈsɑːkæzəm /

noun

1. mocking, contemptuous, or ironic language intended to convey scorn or insult

2. the use or tone of such language

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sarcasm Cultural  

1. A form of irony in which apparent praise conceals another, scornful meaning. For example, a sarcastic remark directed at a person who consistently arrives fifteen minutes late for appointments might be, “Oh, you've arrived exactly on time!”

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Usage

Where does the word sarcasm come from? On the hit TV show Friends, the character Chandler Bing can never help himself from being sarcastic. But, maybe he would think twice if he knew the origins of the word sarcasm.Sarcasm is defined as a "sneering or cutting remark." Fittingly, the word sarcasm comes from the ancient Greek word sarkázein, which meant "to tear flesh." That verb became a metaphor for "speaking bitterly."While we always hear that sticks and stones can't break our bones, even the ancient Greeks recognized that sarcasm feels like someone is digging into you.The roots of these other words may get a rise—of laughter or surprise—out of you. Run on over to our roundup of them at "Weird Word Origins That Will Make Your Family Laugh."

Related Words

See irony ¹.

Other Word Forms

• supersarcasm noun

Etymology

Origin of sarcasm

First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmós, derivative of sarkázein “to rend (flesh), sneer”; sarco-

Compare meaning

How does sarcasm compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• satire vs. sarcasm

Example Sentences

Will he still marry her now, Ms. Williams’s Anna asks with taunting sarcasm?

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr Hanelly told the court that he understood the sarcasm, because it seemed "preposterous" that a shooter from "New York City had found his way to a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania".

From BBC

Tess remains skeptical of the endeavor—greeting with sarcasm Jon’s assertion that having the faux Walter is “better than television” for company.

From The Wall Street Journal

She drew the word out with profound sarcasm, a tone that requires no translation.

From Literature

"If the new standard is the most carbon-intensive event ever, then yeah," she says with sarcasm.

From BBC

Related Words

• banter
• bitterness
• contempt
• cynicism
• derision
• irony
• mockery
• rancor
• ridicule
• satire
• scorn