Sarcastic Meaning and Definition
Sarcastic
Pronunciation
/ˈsɑrsəstɪk/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Said in a way that is meant to express irony or contempt, often with a condescending tone, and often used to express disappointment, frustration, or annoyance.
Examples
- “Wow, great job on your new haircut, it looks really good… said no one ever.” (Sarcastic tone)
- The teacher’s sarcastic comment (“Thanks for doing your homework, finally!”) fell flat on deaf ears.
Synonyms
- Irony
- Clever-Clever
- Snide
Antonyms
- Sincere
- Genuine
- Accurate
Etymology
The word “Sarcastic” comes from ancient Greek, where it was associated with the verb ‘σαρκάζειν’ (sarkázein), meaning “to tear flesh”, implying a cutting or bitter tone.
Usage Notes
Sarcastic is often used in informal settings, such as in casual conversations or online interactions. It’s essential to use it with care, as it can come across as insincere or offensive if not used appropriately.
Cultural References
Sarcastic tone has been featured prominently in popular culture, such as in TV shows like “South Park” and “The Office”, and in movies like “Mean Girls” and “The Hangover”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- That’s a real sarcastic remark.
- Said no one ever.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “Sarcastic” include Irony, Wit, Snark, and Tongue-in-cheek.
Collocations
Sarcastic often collocates with words like “remark”, “comment”, “remark”, and “joke”.
Frequency of Use
Sarcastic is a common word in modern language, with a frequency of use in the top 20% of spoken English.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings and variations of “Sarcastic” include Sacristic, Sarcasitic, and Sarcistical.