sarcasm

sar·casm | \ ˈsär-ˌka-zəm

Definition of sarcasm

1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain

2a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual

b : the use or language of sarcasm

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym What is the origin of sarcasm? Example Sentences Learn More about sarcasm

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Choose the Right Synonym for sarcasm

wit, humor, irony, sarcasm, satire, repartee mean a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement. wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous. a playful wit humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness. a sense of humor irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed. the irony of the title sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound. given to heartless sarcasm satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature. a satire on the Congress repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily. a dinner guest noted for repartee

What is the origin of sarcasm?

If you've ever been hurt by a remark full of cutting sarcasm, you have some insight into the origins of the word. "Sarcasm" can be traced back to the Greek verb sarkazein, which initially meant "to tear flesh like a dog." "Sarkazein" eventually developed extended senses of "to bite one's lips in rage," "to gnash one's teeth," and eventually "to sneer." "Sarkazein" led to the Greek noun sarkasmos, ("a sneering or hurtful remark"), iterations of which passed through French and Late Latin before arriving in English as "sarcasm" in the mid-16th century. Even today sarcasm is often described as sharp, cutting, or wounding, reminiscent of the original meaning of the Greek verb.

Examples of sarcasm in a Sentence

"That was my favorite show yet this tour," Banks says. "I love audiences that are ambivalent." For a second, I think he's laying on the sarcasm, until he continues. "I really like the chance to win people over." — David Peisner, Spin, August 2007 "The best part of being single," Bryce Donovan jokes, "is being able to choose any woman I want to shoot me down." Such self-deprecating sarcasm is the trademark of this newsman's four-year-old weekly column "It Beats Working" in the Charleston Post and Courier. — People, 26 June 2006 "But see," I say … "in my line of work I'm supposed to dress in a way that makes clients feel sorry for me, or better yet superior to me. I think I accomplish that pretty well." Paul looks over at me again with a distasteful look that might be ready to slide into sarcasm, only he doesn't know if I'm making fun of him. He says nothing. — Richard Ford, Independence Day, (1995) 1996 a voice full of sarcasm I know you're not happy, but there's no need to resort to petty sarcasms to make your point.

Recent Examples on the Web An algorithm to regulate political speech would have to master sarcasm and irony. — The Economist, "Countries are increasingly willing to censor speech online," 7 Nov. 2019 Tony Stark brought much of the humor and sarcasm that was needed to lighten up debates over the Sokovia Accords. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "Why the Marvel Cinematic Universe Needed to Keep Spider-Man So Badly," 27 Sep. 2019 Her choice in using the word sarcasm is just a blanket excuse to cover everything. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "RHOC's Emily Simpson Admits She Feels 'Upset and Resentful' Towards Husband During Tense Talk," 10 Sep. 2019 He was struck by Elvis's between-song banter, which the singer filled with self-deprecating jokes and sarcasm. — Geoff Edgers, chicagotribune.com, "The summer of 1969: When Elvis made his true comeback," 8 Aug. 2019 Baldwin said, his answer dripping in sarcasm, when asked what changed from week to week. — Mike Vorel, The Seattle Times, "As David Moore, Doug Baldwin dazzle in London, Seahawks’ receiving corps starts to take shape," 15 Oct. 2018 Martinez: Catchy bass riffs, sharp drums, powerful leads, and genuine lyrics, with a humor/sarcasm safety blanket. — Kat Jetson, Billboard, "Fea Release 'Itch' Video, Talk Punk Representation in the LGBTQ Community: Exclusive," 13 Nov. 2019 The droid is described as an innocent incapable of lying or comprehending sarcasm, but at least IG-11 looks pretty proficient with weapons in the trailer. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Disney leans hard into Space Western territory in new Mandalorian trailer," 29 Oct. 2019 And now, some super-responsible hunters (read with sarcasm) blamed a group of younglings for illegally killing nearly 60 doves during a hunt in Maverick County. — Jay R. Jordan, Houston Chronicle, "Hunters blame overkill on BB gun-toting kids, and other field notes from Texas Game Wardens," 21 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sarcasm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for sarcasm

earlier sarcasmus, borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French sarcasme, borrowed from Late Latin sarcasmos "mockery," borrowed from Late Greek sarkasmós, from Greek sarkázein "to jeer at while biting the lips (in galen" (perhaps, if the original sense was "to bite or strip off flesh," derivative of sark-, sárx "flesh") + -smos, suffix of verbal action — more at sarco-

Note: The original sense of the Greek verb sarkázein is conjectural, as all instances referring to jeering or mockery come from late or post-classical sources, generally lexica. The sole significant early uses are in Aristophanes' play Peace, where the Megarians, while pulling boulders from the entrance to a cave, are described as performing the action of the verb sarkázein "like mean (?) curs," while perishing from hunger ("hoi Megarês… hélkousin d' hómōs glischrótata sarkázontes hṓsper kynídia"); and in the Hippocratic treatise "On Joints" (Perì Arthrôn), where the verb is used to describe hoofed animals eating grass. In both cases the interpretation of sarkázein is far from transparent.

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