Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
sarcasm

sar·casm

sarcasm

 
 
pronunciation:
sar kae zm
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word History
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a scornfully ironic remark.
similar words:
acid, crack, dig, gibe, quip, scoff, shaft, squib, wisecrack
definition 2: the use of scornful or mocking language.
His reply was full of sarcasm that stung her.
similar words:
derision, disparagement, irony, mockery, satire, scorn
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
Word History
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.