sarcasm

USAGE SUMMARY

'sarcasm' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's mocking words or sarcastic tone of voice. For example, "The teenager rolled her eyes and responded with heavy sarcasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a move that is likely to see trawlerloads of sarcasm sent up to Humberside, the town that on Saturday saw its football team promoted to the Premier League is bidding to become the UK's 2017 city of culture.

The Guardian

The mother-and-daughter duo tottered back onto the cobbles like a pair of evil twins, with sarcasm and surliness dripping from every one of their pretty little pores.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Palmer was polite but his message was laced with sarcasm.

The Guardian

("Seventeen copies sold, of which 11 at trade price to free circulating libraries beyond the seas. Getting known," says Krapp in the play bearing his name some two decades later, finely balancing sarcasm and delusion).

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps it's like reading literature in translation: through a mesh that removes enriching nuances, from regional accents and class signals to sarcasm and local politics.

The Guardian - Film

Ribera, in an article responding to the new law, also notes caustically that it was approved just two days before World Biodiversity Day - "showing the degree of sarcasm with which these issues are managed" - and that it only prohibits oil and gas operations from "Natural Sanctuaries and Monuments", even though no such areas exist at the national level.

The Guardian

If I do, then if I say or do something stupid, there is glee and sarcasm: "And you're a member of Mensa?" At primary school I was fast-tracked a couple of years, which seemed like fun, until I ended up as a 12-year-old brat in a class of cool teenagers, who ignored or bullied me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's also a pitch-perfect riff on what Lindsay-Abaire does in Good People: writes lines dripping with sarcasm for those who made it, modulated with the speaker's heartrending realisation that they never will.

The Guardian

He fights a constant battle against both the Vikings and haemorrhoids, and we learn that he didn't burn any cakes and that the Scandinavians brought sarcasm to England.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Step right up! See the Jews!" wrote Salon's critic with pardonable sarcasm, underlining the show's presumably unintended freak-show vibe.

The Guardian - Arts

Asked if they felt for Ballack, the defender Manuel Friedrich laid on the sarcasm.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sarcasm" intentionally to add humor or critique, but be mindful of your audience, as it can be easily misinterpreted in written communication.

Common error

Avoid excessive "sarcasm" in professional or academic writing, as it can undermine your credibility and make your message unclear.

Linguistic Context

Sarcasm primarily functions as a noun, referring to a form of speech or writing that employs irony to convey contempt or mockery. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where "sarcasm" is used to describe the tone or content of remarks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sarcasm" is a frequently used noun that describes the use of irony to mock or convey contempt. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. While "sarcasm" can be an effective rhetorical device, especially for injecting humor or critique, it's important to use it judiciously, particularly avoiding overuse in formal settings where it can be misinterpreted or undermine credibility. Related terms include "irony", "derision", and "mockery", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irony

Focuses on the contrast between what is said and what is meant, without necessarily implying mockery.

derision

Implies open mockery and contempt.

mockery

Highlights the act of ridiculing or making fun of someone or something.

satire

Uses humor and irony to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

caustic remark

Emphasizes the biting and stinging quality of the comment.

facetiousness

Implies a lighthearted and playful use of humor, sometimes inappropriately.

ridicule

Suggests making someone or something the object of laughter or scorn.

taunt

Involves deliberately provoking or teasing someone in a mocking way.

gibe

A quick, sarcastic remark.

wry humor

A dry, subtle form of humor that often incorporates sarcasm.

FAQs

How can I identify sarcasm in a conversation?

Sarcasm often involves a tone of voice that contradicts the literal meaning of the words, or exaggerated expressions. Context and knowledge of the speaker are also important clues.

What's the difference between "irony" and "sarcasm"?

Irony is a broader literary device involving a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or between appearance and reality. "Sarcasm" is a specific type of irony intended to mock or convey contempt.

When is it appropriate to use "sarcasm"?

Sarcasm can be effective in informal settings, creative writing, or when making a point with humor. However, it's generally best to avoid "sarcasm" in formal or sensitive situations.

What are some potential alternatives to using "sarcasm"?

Depending on your goal, you could use direct criticism, "humor", or constructive feedback instead of "sarcasm".