sarcastic
Saying the opposite
Sarcastic describes speech or manner that uses irony to mock or convey contempt—saying the opposite of what you mean to highlight someone's foolishness or failure: Oh, great job when someone spills coffee everywhere.
A sarcastic person deploys this tone habitually.
The delivery often involves exaggerated intonation that signals the words shouldn't be taken at face value.
Sharp, unpleasant taste
- cynicalDoubting human goodness
- jadedDulled by overindulgence
- acerbicSharp and biting
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
sardonic · mordant · acidic · venomous · harsh · mean-spirited · resentful · scathing
Scornfully imitating or ridiculing
- tauntingInsulting to provoke
- jeeringVocal public mockery
- scoffingMocking with contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
ridiculing · derisive · contemptuous · disdainful · scornful · eye-roll · snide · belittling
Carelessly disrespectful
- irreverentDisrespectful toward authority
- insolentBoldly rude and disrespectful
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
- sassyBoldly irreverent in manner
snarky · snippy · curt · dismissive · eye-rolling · sighing · exasperated · theatrical
Expressing contrary meaning
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- dryFree from moisture
- deadpanExpressionless, especially for humor
- satiricalMocking through exaggeration
wry · understated · straight-faced · subtle · implied · insinuating · backhanded · veiled
bitter
Sharp, unpleasant taste
caustic · sardonic · mordant · acidic · venomous · harsh · mean-spirited · resentful · scathing · trenchant
mocking
Scornfully imitating or ridiculing
sneering · ridiculing · derisive · contemptuous · disdainful · scornful · eye-roll · snide · belittling · dismissive
flippant
Carelessly disrespectful
- irreverentDisrespectful toward authority
- insolentBoldly rude and disrespectful
- cheekyPlayfully disrespectful
sassy · snarky · snippy · curt · dismissive · eye-rolling · sighing · exasperated · theatrical · over-the-top
ironic
Expressing contrary meaning
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- dryFree from moisture
- deadpanExpressionless, especially for humor
satirical · wry · understated · straight-faced · subtle · implied · insinuating · backhanded · veiled · indirect
witty
Cleverly humorous
wisecrack · wordplay · sharp · quick-witted · retort · comeback · one-liner · zinger · repartee · jab
- speaking stylesarticulate, blunt, candid, conversational, casual
- negative tonesangry, bitter, cynical, hostile, resentful
- writing stylesformal, informal, minimalism, maximalism, concise
- harshbiting, bitter, brutal, caustic, cruel
- funnyfunny, comical, hilarious, humorous, amusing
- mannersetiquette, manners, polite, rude, politeness
sarcasticsincere
Genuinely felt, not feigned
earnest · genuine · straightforward · literal · direct
sarcasticwarmhearted
Affectionate and sympathetic
kindhearted · benevolent · compassionate · appreciative · generous