The original sense of the Greek verb sarkázein is conjectural, as all instances referring to jeering or mockery come from late or post-classical sources, generally lexica. Send us feedback about these examples.Įarlier sarcasmus, borrowed from Middle French or Late Latin Middle French sarcasme, borrowed from Late Latin sarcasmos 'mockery,' borrowed from Late Greek sarkasmós, from Greek sarkázein 'to jeer at while biting the lips' (in galen perhaps, if the original sense was 'to bite or strip off flesh,' derivative of sark-, sárx 'flesh') + -smos, suffix of verbal action - more at sarco. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sarcasm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Brandon Taylor, The New Yorker, 26 Mar.

Kara Baskin,, 29 June 2023 Roman has modes other than snotty sarcasm, and even seems to experience stirrings of concern for others. Meghan Leahy, Anchorage Daily News, 2 July 2023 Fans of Bourdain-style travel and food writing - pop culture asides, sarcasm, jaded irony, a little bit of hero worship - might be disappointed. Hazlitt, Regular snarkiness is usually presented as sarcasm, which relies on irony and wit. Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 9 June 2023 It’s always been so interesting to me, both the difference between sincerity and sarcasm, and also whether the pursuit of authenticity is worthwhile. Meghan Leahy, Anchorage Daily News, 2 July 2023 The critical response to the Gadsby show questioned the exhibition’s seriousness of purpose, arguing that Gadsby’s wall banter and sarcasm had substituted for a more substantive effort to engage with the artwork. USA TODAY, 18 July 2023 The inherent problem with snark and sarcasm is that young kids don’t have a grasp on this kind of humor. Amy Dickinson, Anchorage Daily News, 18 July 2023 Examples include belittling comments, patronizing questions, frequent interruptions, eye-rolling, sarcasm and mean jokes. Recent Examples on the Web You are tempted to retaliate in some way for this embarrassment, but sarcasm or humiliation is not a mature response.

Undis circle of sarcasm