sardonic
adjective
[ sɑːˈdɒnɪk ]
• grimly mocking or cynical.
• "Starkey attempted a sardonic smile"
Similar:
mocking,
satirical,
sarcastic,
ironical,
ironic,
cynical,
scornful,
contemptuous,
derisive,
derisory,
sneering,
jeering,
scoffing,
taunting,
scathing,
caustic,
trenchant,
mordant,
cutting,
sharp,
stinging,
acerbic,
tart,
acid,
wry,
dry,
sarky,
mordacious,
acidulous,
Origin:
mid 17th century: from French sardonique, earlier sardonien, via Latin from Greek sardonios ‘of Sardinia’, alteration of sardanios, used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter.
