Sarcastic
/sɑːrˈkæstɪk/
Definitions
Using or expressing sarcasm, often to mock or ridicule.
/sɑːrˈkæstɪk/
Expressing or marked by using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.
Her sarcastic comments often masked her insecurity.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to be funny, but instead of making people laugh, you say things that are the opposite of what you mean, like when you say 'Oh, great job!' when someone messes up. That's sarcastic!
👶 For kids: When you say something that sounds nice, but you really mean the opposite to be funny or make someone feel silly.
More Examples
The comedian’s sarcastic jokes kept the audience laughing, though some found them offensive.
He responded to the bad news with a sarcastic 'Oh, wonderful.'
How It's Used
"He made a sarcastic remark about my cooking skills."
"The author employed a sarcastic tone to critique societal norms."
Idioms & expressions
a sarcastic smile
A smile that is insincere and expresses mockery or contempt.
"She gave a sarcastic smile when he failed again."
From Greek *sarkazein* meaning 'to tear flesh, bite the lips,' implying a bitter or cutting remark.
The word 'sarcastic' and its root, 'sarkazein', have been used since ancient Greece to describe a biting or cutting remark.
Memory tip
Think of a 'sarcastic shark' - it's sharp and bites with words.