- A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
- A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
- The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.
[Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein, to bite the lips in rage, from sarx, sark-, flesh.]
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Sarcasm
Sar"casm, n. [F. sarcasme, L. sarcasmus, Gr. sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh like dogs, to bite the lips in rage, to speak bitterly, to sneer, fr. sarx, sarkos, flesh.] A keen, reproachful expression; a satirical remark uttered with some degree of scorn or contempt; a taunt; a gibe; a cutting jest. The sarcasms of those critics who imagine our art to be a matter of inspiration. --Sir J. Reynolds. Syn: Satire; irony; ridicule; taunt; gibe.
sarcasm
A form of irony in which apparent praise conceals another, scornful meaning. For example, a sarcastic remark directed at a person who consistently arrives fifteen minutes late for appointments might be, “Oh, you’ve arrived exactly on time!”