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. Show
a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark: a review full of sarcasms. Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck! Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift. Origin of sarcasmFirst recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmós, derivative of sarkázein “to rend (flesh), sneer”; see sarco- synonym study for sarcasmOTHER WORDS FROM sarcasmsu·per·sar·casm, nounDictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023 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.” Many other words derive from the same Greek root as sarcasm, including sarcophagus, a word which literally means “flesh-eating.” Discover the grisly reasons why at our Words That Use sarco- article Generally speaking, sarcasm is a form of verbal irony, in which a person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning. For this reason, many people sometimes take sarcastic comments at face value. This is especially true online, where it’s harder to convey tone and intention—despite all our emoji and emoticons. Due to the limitations of digital communication, some people will often end a sarcastic remark with “/sarcasm” or “/s” so they don’t get misinterpreted. Sarcasm is commonly used in many kinds of humor, from self-deprecation to satire. How to use sarcasm in a sentence
SEE MORE EXAMPLESSEE FEWER EXAMPLES British Dictionary definitions for sarcasmmocking, contemptuous, or ironic language intended to convey scorn or insult the use or tone of such language Word Origin for sarcasmC16: from Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to rend the flesh, from sarx flesh Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Cultural definitions for sarcasmA 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!” The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. What is an example sentence for the word sarcasm?Examples from Collins dictionaries
'What a pity,' Graham said with a hint of sarcasm. His voice was heavy with sarcasm. Fred ignored the sarcasm.
What is a good word for sarcasm?Some common synonyms of sarcasm are humor, irony, repartee, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.
What is an example of sarcasm in literature?If a generally unskilled person said, “The oven is broken, but I can fix it!”, their sarcastic friend might bitingly say, “Yeah, because you're so handy.” Brooding: Like self-deprecating sarcasm, brooding sarcasm is spoken by someone who feels sorry for themselves.
What are the types of sarcasm?Below are 7 common types of sarcasm, with examples you might find in everyday life.. Self-Deprecating. Self-deprecating sarcasm is basically when you poke fun at yourself by overstating a sense of inferiority. ... . Brooding. ... . Deadpan. ... . Polite. ... . Obnoxious. ... . Manic. ... . Raging.. |