Sarcastic remark

The sarcastic remark (of the old Greek σαρκασμός " sarkasmos" ) indicates an ironic mockery, a mocking remark revolving in derision a person or a situation. It is corrosive, often even bitter and wounding. It can be regarded as a form of Ironie prickly or quarrelsome.

Examples

Said in a certain manner and in a certain context, the following sentences (in italics) can be sarcastic:

- is This restaurant as special as he announces it?
- That to be special, it is special…

- you like That? I give you a blow in the figure?
- Thank you, go ahead! And the third in the belly.

The sarcastic remark often takes again words which have just been marked to turn over the significance of it.

With the oral examination, an intonation or a mimicry generally helps to recognize this kind of humor. With the writing, it is more difficult to detect, and is easily badly interpreted.

Comparison with cynicism and black humor

While the Cynisme concerns a bravado against the values, suitabilities and the principles of the company, the sarcastic remark is rather a reaction to a pricklier and bitter situation.

It approaches the black Humor, but is sourer where black humor rather seeks to make laugh. The sarcastic remark is generally not regarded as a form of humor.

See too

sarcastic remark Irony, Cynicism, black Humor

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