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

They are idealistic and impatient, fluent in slogans and sarcasm, and astutely aware that the system they are training to enter may have no particular use for them.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Guardiola used sarcasm and statistics this week to defend City against claims the club's success has been due to the financial muscle of their Abu Dhabi-based owners.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

The comments section turned to heavy sarcasm, with several gamblers asking whether the U.S. somehow used a “teleportation device” to extract Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores without actually invading the country.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

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 • Dec. 9, 2025

They were also drawn too high and draped the rest of her features into an expression of boredom, almost sarcasm.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

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