spöttischer

Spöttischer is the attributive form of the German adjective spöttisch, meaning mocking or derisive. It is used to describe nouns that express or convey mockery, scorn, or contempt. Like other German adjectives, spöttischer declines according to gender, number, and case. Examples include Der spöttische Kommentar (masculine, nominative, definite article), Eine spöttische Bemerkung (feminine, nominative, indefinite article), Das spöttische Lächeln (neuter), Die spöttischen Bemerkungen (plural). In other cases and with different articles the endings change accordingly (z. B. einem spöttischen Kommentar, eine spöttische Bemerkung, dem spöttischen Blick).

Etymology and related forms: Spöttischer derives from the noun Spott, meaning mockery or ridicule, with the suffix -isch forming an adjective. The term is closely related to spöttisch and to other evaluative terms such as höhnisch. The verb spotten also shares the same semantic field, describing acts of mockery or derision.

Usage and nuance: The adjective characterizes tone, remarks, expressions, or attitudes that express contempt or ridicule. It is commonly used in journalism, literary prose, and everyday language to convey a sharper, more biting form of ridicule than merely humorous sarcasm. The nuance can range from pointed social critique to abrasive ridicule, depending on context and intensity.

Synonyms and contrasts: Höhnisch, spöttelnd, zynisch can be close in meaning, while antonyms include ernst, ehrlich, aufrichtig. The choice of term depends on the degree of derision and the speaker’s intent.

See also: Spott, Spotten, Höhnen.