Skip to content
Everyday LifeGreekEnglish

Sarcasm

/ˈsɑːkæzəm/

Sharp, cutting remarks meant to mock.

The Greek roots

σαρκάζειν
sarkázein
to tear flesh, sneer

Literally: flesh-tearing wit

The story of the word

The verb sarkázein meant to bite the lips in rage or, vividly, to 'tear flesh'. A biting remark earned the same name.

In a sentence

His reply dripped with sarcasm.

More from Everyday Life