Sarcasm Means Tearing the Flesh
Sarcasm is saying the opposite of what you mean, with a cutting edge. The Greek root is startlingly violent.
Sarcasm is a remark that means the opposite of what it says, aimed at wounding. The Greek *sarkazein* means to tear flesh, from *sarx*, flesh — the same root as *sarcophagus*, the flesh-eating stone. Whoever coined the word knew what it was for.
- A cutting remark meaning the opposite. *Heavy sarcasm.*
- Sarcastic — using sarcasm. *A sarcastic reply.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | sarcasm | Dripping with sarcasm. |
| Adjective | sarcastic | A sarcastic tone. |
| Adverb | sarcastically | She said it sarcastically. |
| Related | irony | Dramatic irony. |
| Related | satire | Political satire. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Sarcasm rarely survives being written down.Tone is what carries it.
- That was sarcasm, in case it was not obvious.The explanation that ruins it.
- He answered sarcastically.Adverb.
Sarcasm, irony and satire
- Sarcasm — saying the opposite, to wound
- Irony — a gap between what is said and what is meant, or expected and actual
- Satire — using humour to criticise institutions or people
- Deadpan — delivering it without expression
- Understatement — saying less than you mean, a British speciality
From Late Latin *sarcasmus*, from Greek *sarkasmos*, from *sarkazein*, to tear flesh or speak bitterly, from *sarx*, flesh.
Sarcasm or irony?
Sarcasm is a form of irony aimed at someone. Irony is broader and need not be unkind.
Are sarcasm and sarcophagus related?
Yes. Both come from Greek *sarx*, flesh. A sarcophagus was named as a flesh-consuming stone.