Snarky: meaning, definitions and examples

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snarky

 

[ ˈsnɑr.ki ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

tone of voice

Snarky describes a sharp, sarcastic manner of communication that often conveys disdain or irritation. It can be used to characterize comments or comments that are witty but critical. People who express snarky remarks usually intend to be humorous, but the underlying tone can often feel biting or rude. This type of tone is often associated with playful banter, but it can also escalate into more serious confrontations if taken too far.

Synonyms

caustic, cynical, ironic, sarcastic, snide

Examples of usage

  • Her snarky remarks during the meeting annoyed everyone.
  • He has a snarky sense of humor that some people find off-putting.
  • The review was filled with snarky comments about the restaurant's poor service.

Translations

Translations of the word "snarky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sarcastico

🇮🇳 व्यंग्यात्मक

🇩🇪 sarkastisch

🇮🇩 sinis

🇺🇦 саркастичний

🇵🇱 sarkastyczny

🇯🇵 皮肉な

🇫🇷 sarcastique

🇪🇸 sarcástico

🇹🇷 alaycı

🇰🇷 빈정거리는

🇸🇦 ساخر

🇨🇿 sarkastický

🇸🇰 sarkastický

🇨🇳 讽刺的

🇸🇮 sarkastičen

🇮🇸 skopstæður

🇰🇿 сарказмды

🇬🇪 სარკასტული

🇦🇿 sarkastik

🇲🇽 sarcástico

Etymology

The word 'snarky' originated in the early 2000s as a combination of 'snark', which itself is derived from the blend of 'snide' and 'remark'. The term 'snark' was popularized in the late 1990s through internet culture and online forums where witty but sharp comments proliferated. It reflects a style of communication that combines humor with criticism, appealing to a particular audience that appreciates irony. Over the years, 'snarky' has increasingly come to describe not just individuals but also media and pop culture that adopt a similar tone, highlighting both the pervasiveness and the playfulness of sarcastic communication in contemporary society. The evolution of the term mirrors larger trends in how humor is conveyed, blending sharp critique with everyday conversation.