hint of sarcasm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of sarcasm" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's tone or expression when they are being sarcastic. For example: - Despite her sweet smile, there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice when she said, "Oh, I just love doing all your work for you." - His eyes had a hint of sarcasm as he complimented her cooking, "This is the best lasagna I've ever had. Really, it's *so* delicious." - The email was filled with a hint of sarcasm, as she wrote, "Thanks *so much* for forgetting to include me in the important meeting. It's not like I need to know what's going on or anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And this one carries more than a hint of sarcasm.

The New Yorker

"Maybe I will be more mature then," she said with a hint of sarcasm.

The New York Times

"They're clearly the best team in football," Ryan said with more than a hint of sarcasm.

The New York Times - Sports

"Are you a narcotics trafficker?" Mr. Guerra asks, with a hint of sarcasm.

The New York Times

I do believe there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

The New York Times - Tech

He allowed a hint of sarcasm to creep into his voice.

The New Yorker

"The people going there have jobs; they're legitimate citizens," Montgomery said with a hint of sarcasm.

The New York Times - Sports

"Actually," said Shelly, without a hint of sarcasm, "this is my dead season".

The New York Times

She says this with only a hint of sarcasm – but Blair is not completely assured.

The Guardian - Film

Have they changed the line-out rules yet again?", he asks, with a hint of sarcasm.

The Guardian - Sport

"Amazing, it's crowded when everybody wants to use it," Mr. Bloomberg replied, with a hint of sarcasm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "hint of sarcasm", ensure the context provides enough cues for the reader to detect the subtle sarcasm. Overuse can dilute its effect.

Common error

Be careful not to assume sarcasm when it's not intended. The phrase "hint of sarcasm" indicates subtlety, so ensure the context genuinely supports this interpretation to avoid misrepresenting the speaker's intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of sarcasm" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the presence, albeit subtle, of sarcasm in a statement, action, or expression. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing nuanced communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Film

7%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of sarcasm" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a subtle presence of sarcasm. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, typically complementing a subject or acting as the object of a preposition, to indicate a nuance of insincerity or irony. Alternative phrases like "trace of sarcasm" or "touch of sarcasm" can provide even more granular descriptions of the level of sarcasm present. When employing the phrase "hint of sarcasm", ensure the context allows for accurate interpretation, and be mindful of potential misinterpretations by readers or listeners.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of sarcasm

Indicates a very slight amount of sarcasm, potentially even less noticeable than a "hint".

touch of sarcasm

Suggests a delicate or subtle sarcastic quality, similar to a "hint" but possibly more fleeting.

suggestion of sarcasm

Emphasizes that the sarcasm is implied rather than explicitly stated, similar to a subtle "hint".

undertone of sarcasm

Implies a deeper, underlying sarcastic meaning that isn't immediately apparent but is present.

veiled sarcasm

Indicates the sarcasm is hidden or disguised, but still detectable, adding a layer of subtlety.

shade of sarcasm

Implies a subtle degree of sarcasm, coloring the statement without being overtly sarcastic.

element of sarcasm

Suggests that sarcasm is one component of a larger expression or statement, implying it's not the dominant aspect.

nuance of sarcasm

Highlights the delicate and subtle nature of the sarcasm, focusing on its understated quality.

tinge of sarcasm

Suggests a slight coloring or influence of sarcasm, similar to adding a small amount of spice.

whisper of sarcasm

Indicates a very faint and barely perceptible amount of sarcasm, almost imperceptible.

FAQs

How can you tell if someone is using a "hint of sarcasm"?

A "hint of sarcasm" is often conveyed through tone of voice, facial expressions, or subtle word choices that suggest the speaker doesn't entirely mean what they're saying. It requires careful attention to context and non-verbal cues.

What are some alternative phrases for "hint of sarcasm"?

You can use alternatives like "trace of sarcasm", "touch of sarcasm", or "suggestion of sarcasm" depending on the degree of subtlety you want to convey.

Is "hint of sarcasm" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hint of sarcasm" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral language or explicitly stating the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "hint of sarcasm" and "obvious sarcasm"?

"Hint of sarcasm" implies a subtle and understated use of sarcasm, while "obvious sarcasm" is clear and unmistakable. One is meant to be perceived with careful attention, while the other is overt and direct.