sarcastic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sarcastic" is correct and used in written English.
It is used to describe when someone speaks or writes in a mocking or ironic way. Example sentence: His sarcastic comments about the political party made everyone in the room laugh.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four hours of solid stitching later – of slippery hands and yelling at instructions, of holding the needle with pliers because sewing through three layers of shoe leather is basically like pushing a buffalo carcass through a catflap – and the name Simple Way started to look like a sarcastic threat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Witness Boris Johnson's sarcastic column in Monday's Telegraph in which he suggested the Tories should "save the Panda" – a nickname for Miliband that emerged after an unwise description of him by the former Labour justice secretary, Jack Straw.

The Guardian

She is sarcastic and funny, and her make-up tutorials are clear and to the point.

The Guardian

Tunisian bloggers – blogging was now the main form of communication in the country – were furious and sarcastic.

The Guardian

"I come from a very hardcore sarcastic family, and if you can't hold your ground you need to shut up.

The Guardian - Music

She's a "ballsy, Texan, sarcastic asshole", as she puts it; her fight not to be moulded is now a key part of her public persona.

The Guardian - Music

Her tone has suddenly become cynical and sarcastic and knowing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can we all agree that Nicola Sturgeon's sarcastic line about Nigel Farage having "obviously come here to win friends and influence people" during the first TV debate was the best of the campaign?

The Guardian - Opinion

She is funny and sarcastic, and as with much of her writing, rarely makes a serious point without injecting some moment of humour.

The Guardian - Books

Watson found it a satisfying way to get a few things off her chest: "I filled in David Cameron's thought bubble with 'LOL, climate change', and added a sarcastic comment about repealing the hunting act".

The Guardian

The extremely minor earthquake in Kent provoked a sarcastic Twitter storm, mocking how feeble it was.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for lighthearted humor, ensure your "sarcastic" tone is perceived as playful rather than offensive. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your words.

Common error

Avoid using "sarcastic" remarks when addressing sensitive topics or individuals who may not understand or appreciate the intended humor. Sarcasm can easily be misinterpreted, leading to hurt feelings or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The word "sarcastic" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a tone, comment, or individual characterized by sarcasm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "sarcastic" is a commonly used word to describe something characterized by sarcasm. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While sarcasm can add humor or express criticism indirectly, it's important to be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation. Related terms such as "ironic", "cynical", and "mocking" can provide suitable alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider your audience and the potential impact of your words before employing a "sarcastic" tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ironic

Refers to a subtle form of mockery where the intended meaning is different from the literal meaning.

cynical

Implies a distrust of others' motives, often expressed with pessimism.

mocking

Directly ridicules or makes fun of someone or something.

wry

Expresses dry, understated humor, often with a touch of irony.

caustic

Describes a biting, sharply critical, or sarcastic tone.

satirical

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

droll

Has an odd or whimsical quality, often with dry wit.

facetious

Treats serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; often intended to be amusing, but can be irritating.

flippant

Lacking in seriousness; disrespectful.

tongue-in-cheek

Characterized by irony or mockery, but not intended to be taken seriously.

FAQs

How can I use "sarcastic" in a sentence?

You can use "sarcastic" to describe tone, comments, or even people. For example, "His voice was "dripping with sarcasm"" or "She gave a "sarcastic reply" to his question."

What's the difference between ironic and "sarcastic"?

"Ironic" situations involve a contrast between expectation and reality. "Sarcastic", on the other hand, is a form of verbal irony used to mock or convey contempt. Sarcasm is usually intentional and directed at someone or something, while irony can be unintentional and situational.

What can I say instead of "sarcastic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "witty", "cynical", "mocking", or "ironic".

Is there a negative connotation to the word "sarcastic"?

Yes, "sarcastic" often carries a negative connotation because it can imply a lack of sincerity, disrespect, or a desire to belittle someone. However, in some contexts, sarcasm can be seen as humorous or clever.