Sunday, March 12, 2006

sarcastic vs sardonic

apparently quite similar..  most usages of sarcastic would be improved by using 'sardonic' instead. according to this sarcasm is more about the meanness, while sardonic is more about the humor.

origins: sarcasmos from sarkazien 'tear flesh'
of Sardinia--used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter. 

summary: 
sardonic: wry++
sarcastic: insulting -- an insult wrapped in a lie hidden within a joke

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

thanks for the clarification.