sarcasm
SAR-kaz-uhm
/ˈsɑːrkæzəm/
The use of irony to mock or convey contempt, typically characterized by a specific tone of voice.
Sarcasm is verbal irony with an edge. While irony can be situational or gentle, sarcasm is always spoken by a person and is almost always intended to mock, insult, or show irritation.
The story behind the word. The word sarcasm has a surprisingly brutal origin. It comes from the Greek verb 'sarkazein', which literally meant 'to tear flesh like dogs'. It later evolved to mean 'to bite one's lips in rage', and eventually 'to speak bitterly or sneer'. The image of tearing flesh perfectly captures how sarcasm can rip through someone's feelings.
Word relationships
- verbal irony: Verbal irony is the linguistic device of saying the opposite of what is meant, while sarcasm is that same device used specifically as a weapon to mock or hurt.
- derision: Derision is general contempt or ridicule, which can be expressed in many ways, whereas sarcasm specifically relies on verbal irony.
- sincerity: Sincerity involves speaking honestly and directly from the heart, with no hidden mocking intent.
- compliment: A compliment is an expression of genuine praise or admiration.
Commonly confused with
- irony: Irony is a broad concept involving contradictions between expectation and reality, while sarcasm is a specific, spoken tool of mockery.
Word family
- sarcastic (adjective): Marked by or given to using sarcasm.
- sarcastically (adverb): In a sarcastic manner.
Collocations
- dripping with sarcasm
- heavy sarcasm
- bite of sarcasm
- sarcasm detector
Example sentences
- "'Oh, brilliant,' she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm as her brother spilled juice all over her homework." Describing a tense exchange between siblings.
Memory hook
Think of a 'sarcastic' person as someone who uses 'sarcasm' to 'scar' your feelings. Sarcasm leaves emotional scars. Words that scar like tearing flesh.
When not to use
Do not use sarcasm to describe situations or events; only use it to describe human speech, writing, or tone.
Fun facts
- In written communication, people often use the '/s' tag or a sarcasm punctuation mark (like the irony mark '⸮') to ensure their sarcasm isn't taken literally.
- Neurological studies have shown that understanding sarcasm requires more mental effort than understanding literal speech, as the brain must process both the literal meaning and the speaker's tone.
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