Sarcastic vs. Sardonic: What’s the Difference?

• Sarcastic

  Sarcasm is “a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark; a bitter gibe or taunt”. Sarcasm may employ ambivalence, although sarcasm is not necessarily ironic.

  Most noticeable in spoken word, sarcasm is mainly distinguished by the inflection with which it is spoken and is largely context-dependent.

• Sarcastic (adjective)

  Containing sarcasm.

• Sarcastic (adjective)

  Having the personality trait of expressing sarcasm.

• Sardonic (adjective)

  Scornfully mocking or cynical.

  “He distances himself from people with his nasty, sardonic laughter.”

• Sardonic (adjective)

  Disdainfully or ironically humorous.

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