Barbs

What Barbaras become

Barbs are the sharp backward-pointing projections on fishhooks, arrows, or barbed wire that make removal difficult.

The word extends to pointed, cutting remarks: She couldn't resist a few barbs about his cooking.

A barb is also one of the hair-like branches extending from a feather's central shaft.

insults

jibe

Agree or correspond

  • digUnearth by shoveling
  • snipeHidden-position shooting
  • tauntInsulting provocation

quip · cutting remark · putdown · slight · jab · zinger · sarcasm · mockery · needling · gibe

sharp

point

Exact location or meaning

  • spikeSharp rise or point
  • hookCurved catching device
  • thornPointed plant projection

prong · fishhook · arrowhead · quill · spine · fencing · snag · pierce · jab · prickle

feathers

barbule

Feather barb's tiny branch

  • vaneWind direction indicator
  • rachisCentral supporting shaft
  • plumageBird's complete feather coat

shaft · keratin · preening · filament · hooklet · down · contour · flight feather · quill · interlocking

namesakes

Streisand

nickname · diminutive · pet name · Babs

Categories
Opposites
physical sharpness

Barbssmooth edges

soft curves · smooth surfaces · cushions · buffers · padding

verbal intent

Barbscompliments

Expressions of admiration

praise · flattery · kind words · pleasantries · sweet nothings

name formality

BarbsBarbara

Woman's name, Greek-derived

Barbaras · full name

Phrases
Family

barb, barbed, barbing, barbless, barbel

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G