- pronunciation:
- sar
kae
z
m
- features:
- Word History
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
the use of scornful, mocking, teasing, or complaining remarks that are typically full of irony; that is, they say the opposite of what one actually means but are still effective in conveying the meaning one intends.
He thought his sarcasm was funny, but it often hurt his friends' feelings."Don't offer to help me! I'm only carrying all your stuff!" she complained with heavy sarcasm.- similar words:
- irony, scorn
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The word
sarcasm comes from an ancient Greek verb that means "to speak bitter words," "to tear flesh like a dog," and "to bite one's lips in anger." Sarcasm is an effective way to be mean to others, but the Greeks knew it could leave the user feeling a bit sore too.