Sardonic

Pronunciation

• AusE IPA: /saːˈdÉ”nɪk/
• RP IPA: /sɑːˈdÉ’nɪk/
• US IPA: /sɑɹˈdɑːnɪk/
• Rhymes: -É’nɪk

Origin

French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Ancient Greek σαρδόνιος, alternative form of σαρδάνιος (sardanios, "bitter or scornful laughter"), which is often cited as deriving from the Sardinian plant (Ranunculus sardous), known as either σαρδάνη or σαρδόνιον. When eaten, it would cause the eater's face to contort in a look resembling scorn (generally followed by death). It might also be related to σαίρω (sairō, "I grin").

Full definition of sardonic

Adjective

1. Scornfully mocking or cynical.He distances himself from people with his nasty, sardonic laughter.
• Sir H. Wottonstrained, sardonic smiles
• Burkethe scornful, ferocious, sardonic grin of a bloody ruffian
2. Disdainfully or ironically humorous.

Related terms

• Sardonian