Sarcastic Vs Sardonic: What’s The Difference?

Sarcastic and sardonic remarks can be quite different – one might be funny, while the other could be perceived as sarcastic and mean-spirited. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between these two types of expressions and explain why they’re used in different ways.

Definition of Sarcastic

Sarcastic is defined as a type of humor that uses irony and ridicule.
Sardonic is a more serious and cynical form of humor that can be used to convey disapproval or contempt.
Here are a few examples of how sarcasm can be used in conversation:

1) “That dress looks amazing on you!” – sarcastic remark, intended to make the other person feel bad about themselves
2) “I thought you were going to wear that outfit to the party tonight.” – sarcastic remark, intended to make the other person feel bad about themselves
3) “Wow, you really know how to throw a party! Everyone is having such a good time.” – sarcastic remark, intended to make the other person feel bad about themselves 4) “I don’t know how you can stand living in this city.” – sarcastic remark, intended to make the other person feel bad about themselves

Definition of Sardonic

Sardonic comments might make fun of someone or something, or they might be used to provoke a reaction. Sarcastic remarks may also be used to undermine someone’s confidence.

Sardonic comments are different than sarcastic remarks because the former are generally delivered with humor and without intention to hurt. Sardonic remarks, on the other hand, can be malicious and intended to harm.

Sarcastic: A Joke Taken Seriously

Sardonic: The Face of Dismissiveness

Sarcastic comments are usually made in a joking manner. They are lighthearted, but can still be seen as cutting.

Sarcastic remarks are made with a wink and a smile, while sardonic remarks are made with a straight face. Here’s a closer look at the difference between sarcastic and sardonic remarks:

When a person is sarcastic, they are making a joke. When someone is sardonic, they are not joking – they are showing their disbelief or contempt. For example, when someone says “That was sarcasm!” they are indicating that they were not really serious when they said the thing before. Sardonic remark might go something like “Seriously? You believe that?” while sarcastic remark might go like “Ha! I’m hilarious!”

The difference between sarcastic and sardonic remarks can be subtle, but it is important to keep in mind if you want to be clear about your intention.

Sardonic: A Joke Taken Seriously But With a Smile

The difference between sarcastic and sardonic is that sarcasm is a deliberate, ironic use of humor, while sardonic is a less intentional form of mockery. Both are often used in conversation, but here’s a closer look at the two:

Sarcasm is when someone uses humor to make a point. For example, if you say, “I’m not really hungry,” it can be interpreted as sarcasm because you’re not really serious about not being hungry.

Sardonic humor, on the other hand, occurs when an individual does not intend to be humorous but their words or actions come across that way to another person.

For example, if your friend says they’re going to the store for dinner and then doesn’t show up for dinner, that could be considered sarcastic because your friend was being facetious about going to the store.

Which Is Better For Your Writing?

Sarcastic writing is often characterized as being mocking and negative. Sardonic writing, on the other hand, can be seen as having a more ironic tone. Here’s a look at some key differences:

1. Sarcastic writing is sarcastic in nature- it is written to be disparaging and hostile. Sardonic writing, on the other hand, can be seen as being ironic or humorous. For example, if you write “That was a terrible movie” in a sarcastic tone, you are using sarcasm as your writing style. If you write “That was an interesting movie” in an ironic or humorous tone, you are using sarcasm as your writing style.

2. Sarcastic writing often relies on irony and mockery- it is designed to make fun of the subject matter or the writer themselves. Sardonic writing often utilizes irony to convey a more complex feeling or message. For example, if you write “I’m not good at math” in a sarcastic tone, you are using sarcasm to ridicule yourself. If you write “I find math fascinating” in an ironic or humorous tone, you are using sarcasm to convey that you don’t take math seriously but find it interesting nonetheless 

3. Sarcastic writing can be harsh and hurtful- it can use sarcasm to insult or demean the people or things being discussed. Sardonic writing, on the other hand, can be seen as more compassionate and understanding.

For example, if you write “The sky is blue” in a sarcastic tone, you are using sarcasm to insult someone’s intelligence. If you write “The sky is a beautiful blue color” in a compassionate tone, you are using sarcasm to make a joke but still, show that you understand and respect the person being spoken to.

Difference between the Two Types of Humor

Sarcastic humor is often characterized by a negative or critical tone, where the comedian is making fun of themselves and the situation. Sardonic humor, on the other hand, can be more philosophical in nature, and often has a twinkle in its eye. Here are some key distinctions between the two types of humor:

Sarcastic humor often relies on irony and mockery. For example, if someone says “I’m so tired I could sleep for a week,” a sarcastic person might say, “Wow, you must be exhausted! What an inspiration!” This type of humor is often light-hearted and entertaining, but it can also be mean-spirited and damaging.

Sardonic humor typically involves a more thoughtful approach to making fun of others or situations. For example, when someone says “I don’t care what they say; I’m going to wear this new outfit anyway,” a cynical person might respond with something like ” Admirable attitude!

You’re going to stand out beautifully among all those people who are conforming.” This type of humor can be more subtle and challenging, as it requires understanding and interpreting the motivations of the person being laughed at. It can also be harder to translate into humorous

When to Use Each Type of Humor

Sarcastic humor is often used to take the sting out of a situation or to make a point. It’s usually delivered in a dry, sarcastic tone. For example, if you tell your friend that their outfit looks like they’re going to a funeral, you’re using sarcastic humor. Sardonic humor is similar to sarcastic humor, but it’s delivered with a bitter undertone.

It can be used to describe people or situations in a negative way. For example, if you say that your boss is a total nightmare, you’re using sardonic humor.

Conclusion

Both sarcastic and sardonic expressions convey a sense of being critical, but there is a key difference between the two. Sarcastic expressions are generally light-hearted and often used to poke fun at someone or something, while sardonic expressions can be more serious and reflect a fit of underlying anger or resentment.

If you find yourself using one type of expression more than the other in your writing, it may be helpful to consider why that might be.