barbed

Barbed is an adjective used to describe objects or language that incorporate a barb—a short, sharp projection designed to hinder passage or cause injury—or a cutting, taunting quality in speech or writing. The term can apply to physical objects with protruding points as well as to figurative language that leaves a sting.

Barbed wire is a fencing material made of twisted metal wires with short, pointed barbs attached at intervals. The modern design was popularized in the United States in the 1870s, with Joseph F. Glidden’s 1874 patent often cited as a turning point. Barbed wire quickly became widely used for agricultural fencing, land management, and military fortifications, particularly in open terrain. Variants exist with different barb configurations and wire gauges, but the basic principle remains: barbs deter passage by creating snag points.

Barbs also appear on fishing hooks, arrows, and other tools to prevent easy removal or escape, and have appeared in weaponry since ancient times. In modern manufacturing, barbed features are common on fasteners, needles, and a range of industrial devices, though safety considerations limit the use of exposed barbs in some contexts.

In language, barbed humor or remarks are sharp and often wounding, conveying wit that can be effective yet abrasive. The term conveys a sense of deliberate sting, whether in literature, journalism, or everyday conversation.