sardonic
[sahr-don-ik]
adjective
characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.
Origin of sardonic
1630–40; alteration of earlier sardonian (influenced by French sardonique) < Latin sardoni(us) (< Greek sardónios of Sardinia) + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death
Synonyms for sardonic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for sardonicism
twist, paradox, wit, humor, satire, caricature, mockery, sarcasm, jeer, disdain, derision, taunt, scorn, laughter, contempt, parody, taunting, criticism, repartee, quipExamples from the Web for sardonicism
Historical Examples of sardonicism
MacMaine laughed, allowing the touch of sardonicism that he felt to be heard in the laughter.
The Highest TreasonRandall Garrett
sardonic
adjective
Word Origin for sardonic
C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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sardonic
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper