the use of irony to mock or convey contempt, 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

to give someone the thumbs up, to be a laugh a minute, to be a real knee-slapper

to lay it on thick, to be dripping with sarcasm, to take something as a compliment

Formal and Informal Expressions of sarcasm

In different contexts, you can replace 'sarcasm' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'irony, satire' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'snark, sass' is a commonplace synonym.

sarcasm: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for sarcasm

Antonyms for sarcasm

Idioms Using sarcasm

to give someone the thumbs up
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 a laugh a minute
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 lay it on thick
to use excessive or exaggerated sarcasm
Example
He laid it on thick with his sarcasm, making everyone in the room uncomfortable.
to be dripping with sarcasm
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 take something as a compliment
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.