Sarcastic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sarcastic
[sษหrหkรฆstษชk ]
Definitions
tone of speech
marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt
Synonyms
contemptuous, ironic, mocking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sarcastic |
Used when making remarks that mean the opposite of what they say, usually to insult or show irritation.
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| ironic |
Used when words are used to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning, often in a humorous or pointed way.
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| mocking |
Used to imitate or make fun of someone or something, often in a teasing or cruel manner.
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| contemptuous |
Used to describe a disdainful, scornful attitude, often implying superiority.
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Examples of usage
- She gave him a sarcastic smile.
- He made a sarcastic comment about her outfit.
attitude
characterized by or showing sarcasm; mocking; satirical
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sarcastic |
Use this word when you want to express sharp, often hurtful remarks that mean the opposite of what they say, typically to criticize or mock someone. It often has a negative connotation.
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| satirical |
Best used when describing the use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
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| mocking |
Use this word when imitating someone or something in a way that makes fun of them, usually in a mean or contemptuous way. It typically has a negative connotation.
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| ironic |
This word fits when describing a situation or statement where there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. It doesn't always carry a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He has a sarcastic sense of humor.
- The article was written in a sarcastic tone.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Sarcasm can show intelligence; it's often used by people who think quickly and creatively.
- Some studies suggest that using sarcasm can build social bonds, as long as everyone understands the joke!
Pop Culture
- Many characters in movies and TV shows use sarcasm for comic relief, like Chandler Bing from 'Friends'.
- Social media platforms are filled with sarcastic comments, often leading to hilarious memes and gifs.
Literature
- In classic literature, authors like Jane Austen used sarcasm as a tool to critique society and human behavior.
- Mark Twain was famous for his sarcastic storytelling, revealing the absurdities of life through humor.
Communication
- Sarcasm can sometimes be misinterpreted, especially in written communication where tone is absent.
- Itโs often delivered with a specific tone of voice or facial expression, helping others recognize the humor.
Origin of 'sarcastic'
Main points about word origin
- 'Sarcastic' comes from the Greek word 'sarcastikos', which means 'to tear flesh' โ as if words can hurt!
- The term started being used in English around the 17th century, originally describing a sharp, bitter kind of humor.
The word 'sarcastic' originated from the late Latin word 'sarcasticus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'sarkastikos' meaning 'to tear flesh, sneer at'. The sense of sarcasm as a form of irony or mockery emerged in the 17th century. Today, 'sarcastic' is commonly used to describe a mocking or satirical tone in speech or writing.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,755, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 16752 helplessly
- 16753 encapsulated
- 16754 materiality
- 16755 sarcastic
- 16756 herbal
- 16757 irreconcilable
- 16758 incongruous
- ...