No dictionaries allowed . . . definition of sarcastic?

Question

I often hear the phrase . . . " I was just being sarcastic ". The comment that was made and sounded to be sarcastic was usually demeaning and / or hurtful. I once looked up that word and was surprised at the literal meaning. Any of you know ? Definition was an I opener.

It's been a few minutes . . . Sarcastic . . . in part the dictionary definition reads " to tear the flesh / the soul ". One answer posted here thought I was attempting to boost my ego . . . no...I was once in an ill hearted relationship and the person would make hurtful comments then follow up with " Oh, I was just being sarcastic ". Later divorced I looked up the word and the definition surprised me as that is what it felt like when those comments were made. Now, peacefully divorced...yet still hear that word posted here sometimes and just wondering if others know the true meaning of word. Thanks for your replies. Smiles.

Answer 1

"Sarcastic" implies something negative. The person has the intention to belittle or demean you when he is being sarcastic. It looks like the person is trying to help but not really. His motivation is to hurt you.

Answer 2

What meaning did you think it had?

The definition I found online states that sarcasm often uses irony,
so that the person says the opposite of what is meant . (As opposed to a literal meaning, which is why people often explain afterward they were "being sarcastic" in saying the opposite of what they meant.)

And yes, this type of humor can be a very mean and pointed form of criticism or derision.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sarcasm

I would have to know what you thought the word meant before I could understand why you were surprised at the definition.

Answer 3

It depends if you want the connotation or the denotation of the word

the dennotation means what you said, to rip apart or almost..deteriorate, but the connotation of the word means to imply untrue statements by gesture or language that can be intended or taken as hurtful

Answer 4

To be secure i could seek for copyright rules while you evaluate that's significant which you do no longer destroy one in each and every of them. i'm no longer familiar with one which prohibits use of a dictionary definition , yet you by no potential understand!! :) Liam

Answer 5

An "I" opener... sounds like quite an experience.

It's when you say something that is obviously not true in order to make fun of another person. Like what I wrote above.. you wrote "I" instead of "eye" so I made fun of that by saying the "I opener" must have been quite an experience, when that's not how you say that phrase.

If you've ever watched the Simpsons, you'll see it in the comic book guy.

Answer 6

I'd say its a rude or caustic comment, but made with the attempt at humour or derision.

Answer 7

Just giving it some thought, I say it means.....to mock someone....letting someone know that you know....to retread or review information to someone.....going over information repeatedly...to prove a point.


Now.... I'm going to the dictionary :)

Mrs Librarian

Answer 8

YES I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN.... WHEN I USED TO ROLL MY EYES I THOUGHT I WAS JUST ROLLING MY EYES, NOW I FIND OUT THAT IS A FORM OF BEING SARCASTIC.... OH WHEN I CALL SOMEONE A CRACK HEAD IS ANOTHER FORM

Answer 9

Using words to make someone fewel smaller and least important, to feed your own ego.

Answer 10

There's also Sardonicism, which is typically more negative than sarcasm.

By the way, this was SUCH an amazing question...

:D