barb

USAGE SUMMARY

"barb" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun (a sharp point on a fishing hook) or a verb (to provide with barbs or barbed points). Example: The fisherman barbed his line to ensure he caught as many fish as possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traitor was a barb he must have expected; he has also been branded a self-serving twerp (by the former head of MI5 Stella Rimington), a naive narcissist, and perhaps strangest of all, a cross-dressing Little Red Riding Hood (in the Washington Post).

The Guardian

Asked if it would backfire on Wednesday night, Gallen said: "It was a joke, why would it backfire?" It may have stoked the fire in Lewis' belly but Gallen's barb barely registered in the Queensland camp.

The Guardian - Sport

The barb, made in front of the press at the Latvian summit, came amid growing unease over the policies of Orban's rightwing government, which has carried out constitutional changes and brought more authoritarian rule, critics say.

The Guardian

On the same timetable, he added (in a barb reportedly devised over curry with George Osborne the night before), William Hague would work on plans for English-only votes on English matters.

The Economist

He also delivered a well-aimed barb: "Please keep in mind that I didn't create this system, you did".Mr Chung is right.

The Economist

With a strategic prize such as this under his belt, and if the Rome summit goes as planned, Mr Bush should be able to shrug off the odd European barb.

The Economist

Mr Blair believes that Mr Prescott provides a shield against this sort of barb.

The Economist

Even on renewing their contracts last week he couldn't resist a barb, saying Peruvians expected and deserved better results.In this section What revolution?

The Economist

It is a voice full of humour, unflinchingly truthful and sharp, yet without a barb.

The Economist

After the rare distinction of a congratulatory first at Oxford, followed by a prize fellowship at All Souls', Professor Williams was dogged throughout his teaching career at London, Cambridge (where he was provost of King's College), Berkeley and Oxford again by the saying that he had been the cleverest undergraduate at Oxford, and still was.The donnish barb was understandable, but quite wrong.

The Economist

Mrs Zia's very future in politics already seems in jeopardy.Mr Yunus's, on the other hand, seems bright enough to attract a barb from Sheikh Hasina, who said she saw "no difference between usurers and corrupt people"—a list to which most Bangladeshis would add "politicians".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barb" in writing, consider the context carefully to ensure the intended meaning is clear: is it a sharp comment, a physical projection, or a reference to a specific type of horse?

Common error

Avoid confusing "barb", which refers to a sharp projection or cutting remark, with "bard", which refers to a poet, especially one reciting epics and associated with a particular oral tradition.

Linguistic Context

The word "barb" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a sharp, projecting point or a critical remark. It can also function as a verb, meaning to furnish with barbs. Ludwig shows examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "barb" is versatile, functioning as a noun, verb, and even a proper noun, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary meaning revolves around sharpness, whether in the form of a physical projection or a cutting remark. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its common usage in contexts ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to ensure clarity in writing, distinguishing its various meanings and avoiding confusion with similar-sounding words like "bard". Understanding these nuances will improve the accuracy and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barbed projection

Highlights the presence of barbs on a protruding object.

caustic remark

Focuses specifically on the cutting, corrosive nature of the remark.

cutting jibe

Emphasizes the sarcastic and hurtful quality of the remark.

pointed comment

Highlights the directness and intention behind the remark.

sharp retort

Implies a quick, clever, and often critical response.

Barbary horse

Specifies the breed and origin of the horse.

prickly projection

Refers to the physical aspect of something that sticks out and might cause discomfort.

North African horse

Indicates the geographical origin of the horse breed.

hooked tip

Describes a sharp, curved end designed to catch or hold.

armor plate

Focuses specifically on the protective covering for horses.

FAQs

How can I use "barb" in a sentence?

You can use "barb" in a sentence to refer to a sharp projection: "The arrow had a dangerous barb". Or, you can use it to refer to a cutting remark: "Her words had a cruel barb".

What is the meaning of "barb" as a noun?

As a noun, "barb" can refer to a sharp projection extending backward (as on a fishhook or arrow), which makes extraction difficult. Figuratively, it can also refer to a critical or disparaging remark.

What does it mean to "barb" something as a verb?

As a verb, to "barb" something means to furnish it with barbs, such as to "barb" a fishing hook to make it more effective.

What are some synonyms for "barb" when referring to a cutting remark?

When referring to a cutting remark, synonyms for "barb" include "slam", "dig", "jibe", or "gibe". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the remark's sharpness.