Sardonicism
/sɑːrˈdɒn.ɪ.sɪz.əm/noun
The quality or habit of being sardonic; grimly mocking or scornfully cynical expression.
Did you know?The older adjective *sardonic* is traditionally connected with Sardinia and an ancient belief that a poisonous plant there caused victims to die with a terrifying grin.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
sardonios
“Bitter, mocking, or grimly laughing; later associated with a deadly grin.”
Classical Latin
Lat
sardonius
“Taken from Greek; used for bitter or scornful laughter.”
Late Middle English
Eng
sardonic
“Mocking, sneering, bitterly humorous.”
19th Century
Eng
sardonicism
“The quality or state of being sardonic.”
Modern English
Eng
sardonicism
“The trait of being grimly mocking or scornfully cynical.”
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