ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sarcasm

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɑɹˌkæzəm// UK //sˈɑːkæzəm// sar·casm

n. a way of speaking or writing that uses words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say. You use it to be funny or to show that you are annoyed.

n. the use of irony to mock or convey contempt. Often characterised by vocal inflections that signal the speaker's true meaning is the opposite of the literal statement.


SIMPLE

"Oh, great," he said with heavy sarcasm when the rain started.

CONTEXTUAL

Her constant use of sarcasm made it difficult for new colleagues to tell when she was being serious about the project.

COMPLEX

While some view sarcasm as the lowest form of wit, in many social circles it serves as a sophisticated linguistic tool for bonding through shared cynicism.

Synonyms
Origin

From Late Latin sarcasmus, from Ancient Greek σαρκασμός (sarkasmós, “a sneer”), from σαρκάζω (sarkázō, “I gnash the teeth (in anger)”, literally “I strip off the flesh”), from σάρξ (sárx, “flesh”).

Usage

Uncountable in its general sense; occasionally used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances or types of sarcastic remarks.

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