Sarkasmi

Sarkazmi is a form of figurative speech commonly used to mock or critique by stating the opposite of what is meant. It relies on a contrast between surface meaning and intended meaning and typically depends on tone, facial expression, or contextual cues to be understood. In many South Slavic languages, the noun sarkazam and the adjective sarkastičan describe this device; in English it is called sarcasm. The term derives from Greek sarkasmos, meaning biting or tearing of flesh, a metaphor for the cutting effect of the remark.

Unlike broader irony, sarcasm is often directed at a person, institution, or behavior and aims to wound or expose hypocrisy, although it can also be used playfully among friends. Irony, by contrast, is a broader rhetorical figure in which what is said contrasts with reality, not necessarily with the speaker's intent to insult.

Usage and reception vary by culture and context. In casual conversation, sarcasm can strengthen social bonding, signal group membership, or defuse tension. In formal settings or written communication, it is more prone to misinterpretation and offense and may be perceived as disrespectful or hostile.

Detecting sarcasm is a common topic in linguistics and psychology; in written text, it often relies on contextual cues, punctuation, or quotation marks to convey the opposite meaning. Because of variability in tone and background knowledge, sarcasm can be misunderstood across language communities.

See also: irony, humor, satire, sarcasm detection.