sardonic

[sahr-don-ik]

adjective

1. characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; sneering; cynical;

   a sardonic grin.

   Synonyms: contemptuous, mordant, biting

sardonic

/ sɑːˈdɒnɪk /

adjective

1. characterized by irony, mockery, or derision

Other Word Forms

• sardonically adverb
• sardonicism noun
• unsardonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sardonic¹

First recorded in 1630–40; alteration of earlier sardonian (influenced by French sardonique, ) from Latin sardoni(us) or directly from Greek sardónios “of Sardinia” + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death

Word History and Origins

Origin of sardonic¹

C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)

Example Sentences

Folds’ best-known songs, such as “Brick,” “Song for the Dumped,” “Army,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs” and “Zak and Sara,” may seem too sardonic or dark for the sweet world of Snoopy and company.

From Los Angeles Times

“Hannah read it in a way that was dry, sardonic, the way that a comedy writer would say it, and she just had this toughness about her.”

From Los Angeles Times

And when they do, the show presents a view of Los Angeles that’s both sardonic and affectionate, portraying a place where dreams can come true, provided you’re not stuck on the 405 at rush hour.

From Los Angeles Times

Letterman’s offbeat, sardonic brand of humor also gave a layer of hipness to CBS, which had long had a reputation for stodginess.

From Los Angeles Times

They called it Hoover Town — a variation of Hooverville, the title given to many such homeless camps around the nation in sardonic tribute to President Hoover.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acerbic 
• biting 
• caustic 
• derisive 
• mocking 
• mordant 
• satirical