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sarcasm

[ˈsɑːkæzəm]

sarcasm Definition

  • 1the use of irony to mock or convey contempt
  • 2a 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

Using sarcasm: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sarcasm" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    'What a beautiful day,' he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

  • Example

    She replied with heavy sarcasm, 'Oh, I just love spending my weekends doing laundry.'

  • Example

    His sarcasm was lost on her, and she took his words at face value.

sarcasm Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for sarcasm

Idioms Using sarcasm

  • to indicate approval or agreement, often in a sarcastic or insincere way

    Example

    When he suggested that they work all weekend, she gave him the thumbs up, but her tone made it clear that she was being sarcastic.

  • to be very funny or amusing, often used sarcastically to describe something that is not actually funny

    Example

    The meeting was a laugh a minute, with everyone making sarcastic comments and jokes.

  • to be a real knee-slapper

    to be very funny or amusing, often used sarcastically to describe something that is not actually funny

    Example

    His joke was a real knee-slapper, but no one laughed because they knew he was being sarcastic.

Phrases with sarcasm

  • to use excessive or exaggerated sarcasm

    Example

    He laid it on thick with his sarcasm, making everyone in the room uncomfortable.

  • to speak in a way that is heavily sarcastic

    Example

    Her response was dripping with sarcasm, making it clear that she was not pleased.

  • to interpret something that was meant as an insult or criticism as a compliment

    Example

    When he called her a 'know-it-all,' she took it as a compliment, knowing that he was using sarcasm.

Origins of sarcasm

from French 'sarcasme', or via late Latin from Greek 'sarkasmos', from 'sarkazein' meaning 'tear flesh, bite the lip in rage'

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Summary: sarcasm in Brief

Sarcasm [ˈsɑːkæzəm] is a form of wit that uses irony to mock or convey contempt. It is often marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule. Examples include 'What a beautiful day,' he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, and 'Oh, I just love spending my weekends doing laundry,' she replied with heavy sarcasm. Sarcasm extends into phrases like 'to lay it on thick,' and idioms like 'to give someone the thumbs up,' denoting insincere approval.

How do native speakers use this expression?