Sarcasm
/ˈsɑːrkæzəm/
Definitions
The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
/ˈsɑːrkæzəm/
Her sarcasm was often cutting, though she claimed it was just her sense of humor.
💡 Simply: It's when you say one thing but mean the opposite, usually to be funny or to show you're annoyed. Like if it's raining and you say, 'Oh, what a lovely day!' in a sarcastic way.
👶 For kids: Saying something mean but in a joking way.
More Examples
He couldn't tell if she was serious or if it was just sarcasm.
The comedian's act was laced with biting sarcasm about current events.
How It's Used
"He used sarcasm to hide his disappointment."
"The author employed sarcasm to critique societal norms."
Idioms & expressions
dripping with sarcasm
Highly sarcastic or full of irony.
"His voice was dripping with sarcasm as he made his comment."
the height of sarcasm
The ultimate or most extreme form of sarcasm.
"Saying 'Oh, that's just great' when things have gone terribly wrong is the height of sarcasm."
From Late Latin *sarcasmus*, from Greek *sarkazein* (to tear flesh, bite the lip in rage, sneer), related to *sarx* (flesh). The implication of mocking, ironic, or contemptuous language emerged in the 16th century.
Used in literature and everyday conversation since the 16th century, evolving to encompass a wider array of ironic and mocking forms of expression.
Memory tip
Think of it as a 'sharp, biting' way of speaking; it can be used with humor.