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Sardonic V. Sarcastic: Is there a distinction between the two?

They don't seem to be used interchangeably.

I'm wondering what nuance makes one more appropriate in one situation than the other.

5 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Sardonic implies a bit of humor is intended, whereas sarcastic

    implies a deliberate attempt to be caustic, hurtful and contemptuous.

  • 1 decade ago

    If you look at a dictionary definition, they are pretty much the same.

    In everyday use, however, I'd say "sardonic" has connotations of dryness and irony, even cleverness, but not necessarily cruelty.

    I'd say "sarcasm" has an undercurrent of cruelty or intent to wound.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Sarcasm Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwar&s- to cut

    Sardonic Etymology: French sardonique, from Greek sardonios:

    disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking <a sardonic comment

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    They are pretty close. I would say sardonic is probably a little more cynical.

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Good question...although while I'm pretty sure they are interchangable...I think 'sardonic' has a much more stoic conotation.

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