sarcasm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Use of acerbic language to mock or convey contempt, often using verbal irony and (in speech) often marked by overemphasis and sneering.
  2. An individual act of the above.

Pronunciation

/ˈsɑːɹˌkæzəm/ /ˈsɑːˌkæzəm/ En-us-sarcasm.ogg

Word forms

sarcasm sarcasms

Etymology

From Late Latin sarcasmus, from Ancient Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmós, “a sneer”), from σαρκάζω (sarkázō, “to gnash the teeth (in anger)”, literally “to strip off the flesh”), from σάρξ (sárx, “flesh”).

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