Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony where a person says the opposite of what they truly mean, often to mock, criticize, or show irritation in a humorous or caustic way. It is characterized by a tone of voice or inflection that signals the opposite meaning, making it largely dependent on context and delivery

. The word "sarcasm" originates from the Greek "sarkázein," meaning "to tear flesh," reflecting its sharp, biting nature

. Unlike general irony, which can be unintentional or simply highlight absurdity, sarcasm is always intentional and used as a form of verbal aggression or ridicule directed at someone or something

. Sarcasm can serve various purposes such as expressing frustration or disapproval indirectly, adding humor, or emphasizing criticism. However, it often carries a harsh or hurtful tone and can be perceived as rude if not used carefully

. In literature, sarcasm is used to develop characters or inject humor and is closely related to satire when used extensively

. It is distinct from polite or sincere speech because it often intends to damage or mock the recipient's "face" or social standing

. In summary, sarcasm is a sharp, often humorous or biting way of saying the opposite of what one means to mock or criticize, marked by vocal tone and context