Word
barb
Phoneticsbarb
US/ˈbɑɹb/
UK/bˈɑːb/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a sharp, often witty remark that hurts someone's feelings. It is like a verbal sting that is quick and pointed.
n. a sharp, pointed, or stinging remark, often witty or sarcastic in tone. Metaphorical extension of the physical thorn.
Examples
“His comment was a sharp barb aimed at her work.”
“She hid her disappointment behind a smile, but her words carried a barb that silenced the room.”
“The critic's review was laced with barbs, dissecting the play's flaws with surgical precision and biting wit.”
Examples
simple
“His comment was a sharp barb aimed at her work.”
contextual
“She hid her disappointment behind a smile, but her words carried a barb that silenced the room.”
complex
“The critic's review was laced with barbs, dissecting the play's flaws with surgical precision and biting wit.”
Etymology
Clipping of Barbie, from Harajuku Barbie, an alter-ego of Nicki Minaj.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/barb