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