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”; see sarco-

Compare meaning

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

• satire vs. sarcasm

Explanation

Irony employed in the service of mocking or attacking someone is sarcasm. Saying "Oh, you're soooo clever!" with sarcasm means the target is really just a dunderhead. Sarcasm is sometimes used as merely a synonym of irony, but the word has a more specific sense: irony that's meant to mock or convey contempt. This meaning is found in its etymology. In Greek, sarkazein meant "to tear flesh; to wound." When you use sarcasm, you really tear into them. A clever person coined the variant spelling sarchasm (a blend of sarcasm and chasm) and defined it as "the gap between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it."

Example Sentences

Sarcasm is notoriously tricky to convey through text -- even in person, it can be easily misinterpreted.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

Sarcasm aside, it’s kind of incredible that “The Bachelor” franchise is being yanked back into this same doghouse for another mild imbroglio, this time courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2023

Sarcasm aside, the Mariners have gotten off to an abysmal start to their final record trip of the regular season, losing the first three games to fall to 80-65.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2022

Sarcasm and irony serve as armor, but scars are glimpsed and loneliness and shame aren’t erased by a killer comeback.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2021

Sarcasm is a lot more fun to give than receive.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

Related Words

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