Sarcasm

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Grammarist

Sarcasm is a word that many find confusing. We will examine the definition of the word sarcasm, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.

Sarcasm is an expressed wit that is cutting, bitter, or mocking. Sarcasm is irony or satire that is contemptuous of its subject. Sarcasm is used to express the opposite of the literal meaning of the words being spoken. Most sarcasm is expressed verbally, as it is the facial expression or tone of voice that conveys the sarcasm. Oscar Wilde wrote “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit but the highest form of intelligence.” Sarcasm is often used to express negative thoughts and emotions under the guise of humor, most mental health professionals discourage the use of sarcasm in interpersonal relationships. The word sarcasm is derived from the Greek word sarkasmos, which means mockery or a taunt. Related words are sarcastic and sarcastically.

Examples

Who better to spell it all out for you, what more perfect person to attempt sarcasm and show his work, than a man who we have literally never once seen laugh? (Esquire Magazine)

“In the interview, the defendant used sarcasm freely, first denying committing the crime, then offering a full confession… and being inside the home, then denying it again.” (The Daily Commercial)

From sarcasm and stiff upper lips, to afternoon tea and fish and chips, Britain is synonymous with a whole host of eclectic traits – but warm weather is not one of them. (The Independent.)

“Tun Mahathir, he is always sarcastic, so I think maybe he is poking fun at me,” Mr Khairy told reporters at Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. (The Straits Times)