Word Noun
barb
n.
countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈbɑɹb/ UK /bˈɑːb/ barb UK spelling barbing, barbs
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.”
Etymology
Clipping of Barbie, from Harajuku Barbie, an alter-ego of Nicki Minaj.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated