sarcasm

[sahr-kaz-uhm]

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

sarcasm

/ ˈsɑːkæzəm /

noun

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

2. the use or tone of such language

sarcasm

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!”

Other Word Forms

• supersarcasm noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sarcasm¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sarcasm¹

C16: from Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to rend the flesh, from sarx flesh

Synonym Study

See irony ¹.

Example Sentences

“Who’s telling the truth?” host Will Cain asked, before proceeding with apparent sarcasm.

From Salon

Gunn’s writing humanized every single character – even Vigilante, a psycho unable to comprehend simple human cues like sarcasm, but who nearly collapses into tears when he realizes he may have failed his friend and hero.

From Salon

But scepticism and sarcasm are in greater evidence online.

From BBC

"There is no evidence of sarcasm. Reading it as disrespectful may reflect political agendas."

From BBC

Others called for her to stay on in the US, with comments that reeked with sarcasm.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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."