How do the terms sarcastic and sardonic differ?

[Carnac_the_Magnificent]

I once thought “sardonic” implied sophisticated sarcasm, but I’m guessing that isn’t quite right.

Can anyone clarify?

[ms.deanna]

“Sarcastic” would be a smart-ass and “sardonic” would be like sinister.

[Doctor_Who]

Well, here’s what dictionary.com has to say on the matter:

Synonyms: sarcastic, ironic, caustic, satirical, sardonic
These adjectives mean having or marked by a feeling of bitterness and a biting or cutting quality. Sarcastic suggests sharp taunting and ridicule that wounds: “a deserved reputation for sarcastic, acerbic and uninhibited polemics” (Burke Marshall). Ironic implies a subtler form of mockery in which an intended meaning is conveyed obliquely: “a man of eccentric charm, ironic humor, andabove allprofound literary genius” (Jonathan Kirsch). Caustic means corrosive and bitingly trenchant: “The caustic jokes… deal with such diverse matters as political assassination, talk-show hosts, medical ethics” (Frank Rich). Satirical implies exposure, especially of vice or folly, to ridicule: “on the surface a satirical look at commercial radio, but also a study of the misuse of telecommunications” (Richard Harrington). Sardonic is associated with scorn, derision, mockery, and often cynicism: “He was proud, sardonic, harsh to inferiority of every description” (Charlotte Brontë).

But, after reflecting on that, I still don’t see a very clear cut difference.

• Peter Wiggen

[Manduck]

The way I think of it, “sardonic” means the overt, eye-rolling, “yeah right” style of sarcasm, while just plain sarcasm is more deadpan. I could be wrong though.

[Doctor_Who]

Ah here we go - this entry from m-w.com sheds a little light (at least for me):

Main Entry: sar·cas·tic
Pronunciation: sär-'kas-tik
Function: adjective
1 : having the character of sarcasm <sarcastic criticism>
2 : given to the use of sarcasm : CAUSTIC <a sarcastic critic>

• sar·cas·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
  synonyms SARCASTIC, SATIRIC, IRONIC, SARDONIC mean marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting. SARCASTIC implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing <a critic famous mainly for his sarcastic remarks>. SATIRIC implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation <a satiric look at contemporary sexual mores>. IRONIC implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant <made the ironic observation that the government could always be trusted>. SARDONIC implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression <surveyed the scene with a sardonic smile>.

Seems to me this makes sense. Sardonic describes your internal feelings - derision or scorn. Sarcastic relates to your intent to cause harm by taunting or ridiculing.

That seems right to me. You wouldn’t say that you “surveyed the scene with a sarcastic smile.” Or, alternatively, “a critic famous mainly for his sardonic remarks.” … Although I probably would say the second one.

Does this division - internal v. intent - make sense to anyone else?

• Peter Wiggen

[JoeSki]

I was under the impression that sardonic was just bitter sarcasm.

I think www.dictionary.com may have defined it that way. Makes sense in the context sardonic is usually used in

[pokey]

@PeterWiggen

Seems to me this makes sense. Sardonic describes your internal feelings - derision or scorn. Sarcastic relates to your intent to cause harm by taunting or ridiculing.

That seems right to me. You wouldn’t say that you “surveyed the scene with a sarcastic smile.” Or, alternatively, “a critic famous mainly for his sardonic remarks.” … Although I probably would say the second one.

Does this division - internal v. intent - make sense to anyone else?

• Peter Wiggen

In my OED, sarcasm says “ironically scornful language.”

Sardonic says “bitterly mocking or cynical.”

I think sardonic covers more than just language, but sarcasm refers to language. I read a book recently where a little girl is described as smiling sarcastically and it bothered me because I never heard of anyone smiling sarcastically before!

[ms.deanna]

Ooh boy was I wrong . Don’t you hate people who don’t know what the f---- they’re talking about ?