Is a character in your story a sarcastic person? If you would like some advice on how to describe sarcasm in writing, take a look at the words below and how they might be used in your narrative.
1. Barbed
Definition
Unkind and criticizing.
Examples
“Her barbed sarcasm cut like a knife through his chest, even though everyone else in the room seemed not to care.”
“His sarcasm was always barbed and pointed towards whoever had annoyed him most that day, even if it was only a minor inconvenience.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “barbed” to describe sarcasm in your story can serve to show that it is something that is designed to hurt another person. The term also conjures up images of thorns, which are sharp and prickly, which could reference the person making the sarcastic remark, but are also reminiscent of a sharp point, which can help to illustrate how specifically targeted the insult is.
2. Cruel
Definition
Extremely unkind and intentionally causing pain or upset.
Examples
“Their cruel sarcasm was made all the worse by the fact that their victim could not perceive it.”
“She greeted her colleague’s mistake with a smile dripping in cruel sarcasm as she began a round of mock applause.”
How it Adds Description
Although sarcasm can be used in a humorous way, at other times it can also be used to insult or offend. If it is used in this way by your characters, you may wish to describe it as being “cruel”, showing the disdain and low opinion they have of others.
3. Cutting
Definition
Said or done in order to hurt someone’s feelings.
Examples
“The fashion editor was known for her discerning demeanor and her cutting sarcasm, keeping her employees on their toes.”
“With cutting sarcasm that could slice through steel, she left her coworker speechless during the meeting.”
How it Adds Description
If you need a way to describe how much a character’s sarcasm hurts another, consider describing it as being “cutting”. This conjures imagery for the reader of their sarcasm being like a knife that they are using to wound and harm and can help to illustrate the level of hostility shown.
4. Dramatic
Definition
- Sudden and noticeable, full of excitement.
- Behaving in a way that makes something appear much worse than it is.
Examples
“His sarcasm always seemed to have a flair for the dramatic: the more annoyed he was, the more flamboyant his remarks and gestures became.”
“In a display of dramatic sarcasm that could rival a Shakespearean soliloquy, she stole the spotlight while making him wish he could slink back into the shadows.”
How it Adds Description
If your character is very outgoing, the chances are that when they use sarcasm it tends to be pretty “dramatic” in its delivery. This can lead to scene-stealing interactions in your story, as well as providing some comedy, too!
5. Pithy
Definition
Expressing something cleverly in a few words.
Examples
“The last thing the teacher expected was the pithy sarcasm that came from their student’s mouth. They had not thought them capable of such wit at all.”
“The comedian was well known for his pithy sarcasm and social criticisms, even if it did get him in hot water at times.”
How it Adds Description
A character that is adept at using sarcasm might deliver it in a “pithy” way. They can get the absurdity of the situation across in their sarcastic comment with only a few words, which may signify their intelligence or that they commonly employ this tactic when interacting with others.
6. Self-deprecating
Definition
Trying to make yourself or your abilities seem less important.
Examples
“She compensated for her lack of self-confidence in social circles with her razor-sharp self-deprecating sarcasm.”
“In a moment of self-deprecating sarcasm, she declared herself the world’s best cook to the dulcet tones of the kitchen fire alarm.”
How it Adds Description
“Self-deprecating” sarcasm helps to illustrate not what a character thinks about others, but instead what they think about themself. It paints a picture of a character that is not all that confident and might use sarcasm to highlight their failures in a more humorous way in order to fit in.
7. Snarky
Definition
Criticizing someone in a way that shows annoyance.
Examples
“His frustration would often be demonstrated by snarky, sarcastic comments that often made others laugh, which only served to annoy him all the more.”
“Being a parent to two teenage girls meant she had heard her fair share of snarky and sarcastic criticisms, but what her daughter had just said completely riled her up.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “snarky” to describe sarcasm helps to illustrate the tone in which it has been delivered and the circumstances around it. It demonstrates a sense of annoyance from the character using sarcastic remarks, helping you to show how they are attacking the subject of their irritation in a biting way.
8. Snide
Definition
Making unpleasant remarks where the criticism isn’t clearly stated.
Examples
“Her snide sarcasm at her friend’s choice of outfit for the party didn’t seem to register, and now she had to try to convince her of her terrible fashion choice through other means.”
“Her snide, sarcastic comments only seemed to boost his ego further, he thought so much of himself that he was oblivious to the fact that he was being openly mocked.”
How it Adds Description
If a character is trying to be sly with their sarcasm, you could describe it as being “snide”. This not only shows it is done in a way where others might not understand the true hurt behind it but also gives an impression of a sneering or mocking tone of delivery.
9. Subtle
Definition
Achieved in a quiet way that does not attract attention and may be seen as clever.
Examples
“He always thought there was something quite charming about using a subtle amount of sarcasm, even if it was directed at him.”
“Although others didn’t understand it, their subtle bouts of sarcastic comments were one of the things that solidified their friendship.”
How it Adds Description
Sometimes sarcasm may go unnoticed, and if this is the case in your story, consider describing it as “subtle”. Not only does this help to highlight the intelligence of the character delivering it, but it also helps to show your reader how oblivious others are, perhaps indicating a difference between them in class or power in the situation.
10. Witty
Definition
Using words in a way that is funny and clever.
Examples
“Witty sarcasm has long been seen as a great weapon in the British comedy arsenal, but whenever she tried to use it in her routine it would always backfire spectacularly.”
“Instead of causing offense, his witty, sarcastic remark actually managed to diffuse the tension in the room and even garner a few laughs.”
How it Adds Description
Sarcasm doesn’t always have to be used in a way that hurts others’ feelings. If someone is using it to comedic effect, it may be seen as “witty”. It implies a sense of cleverness and wordplay, and could even be employed at a moment of tension in your story in order to provide some welcome comic relief.