sardonic
UK: sɑːˈdɒnɪk | US: sɑːrˈdɑːnɪk
adj. grimly mocking or cynical
adj. disdainfully or skeptically humorous
sardon<sardinia> + ic<adjective suffix>
- sardon: Refers to Sardinia (an island in the Mediterranean), linked to a poisonous plant believed to cause facial contortions resembling a bitter smile.
- ic: A suffix forming adjectives (e.g., "ironic," "heroic").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek sardonios, associated with a Sardinian plant that supposedly induced fatal, grimacing laughter. Over time, it evolved to describe scornful or mocking humor, reflecting the distorted expressions attributed to the poison. The shift from literal to figurative meaning highlights the connection between physical distortion and sarcastic tone.
His sardonic remarks made the meeting uncomfortably tense.
She gave a sardonic laugh when asked about her "perfect" life.
The novel’s sardonic tone critiques modern society.
His smile was sardonic, devoid of genuine warmth.
The comedian’s sardonic wit appealed to cynical audiences.