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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
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Sardonic implies a bit of humor is intended, whereas sarcastic
implies a deliberate attempt to be caustic, hurtful and contemptuous.
- Banana Ray DavidLv 41 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 61 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
Source(s): http://www.merriamwebster.com/ - Anonymous1 decade ago
They are pretty close. I would say sardonic is probably a little more cynical.
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- Anonymous1 decade ago
Good question...although while I'm pretty sure they are interchangable...I think 'sardonic' has a much more stoic conotation.