Sardonic V. Sarcastic: Is there a distinction between the two?

Question

They don't seem to be used interchangeably.
I'm wondering what nuance makes one more appropriate in one situation than the other.

Answer 1

Sardonic implies a bit of humor is intended, whereas sarcastic
implies a deliberate attempt to be caustic, hurtful and contemptuous.

Answer 2

If you look at a dictionary definition, they are pretty much the same.

In everyday use, however, I'd say "sardonic" has connotations of dryness and irony, even cleverness, but not necessarily cruelty.

I'd say "sarcasm" has an undercurrent of cruelty or intent to wound.

Answer 3

Sarcasm Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwar&s- to cut

Sardonic Etymology: French sardonique, from Greek sardonios:
disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking

Answer 4

They are pretty close. I would say sardonic is probably a little more cynical.

Answer 5

Good question...although while I'm pretty sure they are interchangable...I think 'sardonic' has a much more stoic conotation.