adjective
sardonic
sar-DAH-nik/sɑːrˈdɑːnɪk/
Mocking in a bitter or scornful way.
She offers sardonic applause as the collapsed bench is unveiled.
Etymology
Greek sardonios described bitter or scornful laughter rather than genuine gaiety. That sense extended from a person's laugh or grin to a grimly mocking attitude; the word's deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
if I can be a little bit sardonic
More examples
- He gives a sardonic smile when his boss promises another raise.
- Her sardonic reply makes it clear she expects nothing to improve.
- The review is full of sardonic jokes about the restaurant's tiny portions.
Forms
sardonic
sardonically adverb — In a bitterly mocking or scornful manner.