Everyday · Humour & insults · Talking & language
Sarcasm: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Sarcasm noun. Saying the opposite of what you mean in order to mock or show irritation.
How to say it
SAR-kaz-um/ˈsɑːkaz(ə)m/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (SAR).
Sarcasm in a sentence
'Oh, great, another meeting,' he said, dripping with sarcasm.
Sarcasm rarely survives being written down; it just reads as rude.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- irony
- mockery
- derision
- scorn
Opposite:
- sincerity
Where sarcasm comes from
From Greek sarkazein, to tear flesh, from sarx, flesh.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
_____ rarely survives being written down; it just reads as rude.
- nincompoop
- pettifogger
- sarcasm
Show the answer
sarcasm: Sarcasm rarely survives being written down; it just reads as rude.