"sardonic" vs. "sarcastic ?

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I heard this on "Monk" last Friday, and now I am trying to find a good comparison of these two terms. What I have found on-line is unspecific and usually has these as synonyms.TIA

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I heard this on "Monk" last Friday, and now I am trying to find a good comparison of these two terms. What I have found on-line is unspecific and usually has these as synonyms.[/nq]
You're in luck; this question has been discussed frequently in a.u.e, so if you search on the two words at the Google Group archives, you'll find plenty of opinion. Let us know if you can't find those posts.

I notice that the last thing I said about "sardonic" was:

"sardonic" primarily describes a facial appearance. Not a kind of emotional state or wordplay or so forth, although it moved on to mean those things.

Best Donna Richoux

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]I heard this on "Monk" last Friday, and now I am trying to find a good comparison of these two terms. What I have found on-line is unspecific and usually has these as synonyms. TIA[/nq]
"Sarcastic" cuts or tears at flesh (figuratively, of course): sarcastic wit is vicious and meant to wound.
"Sardonic" is the expression of one who has been poisoned by certain herbs: sardonic wit gives a surface impression of humor, but underneath it is bitter or venomous.

Chris Green

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[nq:1]I heard this on "Monk" last Friday, and now I am trying to find a good comparison of these two terms. What I have found on-line is unspecific and usually has these as synonyms.[/nq]
I also saw that on Monk*, and (like you) spent some time researching the subject. I still don't understand the distinction made on *Monk, but I'd like to share my notes with you. The difference is perhaps one of attitude on the part of the speaker or writer. The etymologies are useful. (1)
Etymology of sarcasm. To bite one's lips in rage. The OED says, "late Latin sarcasm-us, a. late Gr. sarkasmoi, f. sarkazein 'to tear flesh, gnash the teeth, speak bitterly', f. sark-, sarc 'flesh'." "The same root 'sarc' is seen in a literal sense in 'sarcophagus'" John Lawler.
Etymology of sardonic. L. sardoni-us, from Latin adj. for 'Sardinian', the descriptive epithet of bitter or scornful laughter; from the notion that the word had primary reference to the effects of eating a `Sardinian plant' (L. herba Sardonia or Sardoa), which was said to produce facial convulsions resembling horrible laughter, usually followed by death. OED. "Sardonic wit gives a surface impression of humor, but underneath it is bitter or venomous." Christopher Green.
In contrast to some other forms of irony, both sardonic and sarcastic wit, involve intent to harm, or at least intent to tease. "Satirical implies exposure, especially of vice or folly, to ridicule. Sardonic is associated with scorn, derision, mockery, and often cynicism." Dictionary.com
"Sarcastic may describe whatever is bitter, cutting, and marked by intent to wound by taunting, mocking, deriding, or making ridiculous. ... Sardonic may apply to what manifests scorn, mockery, or derision and arises from disbelief in or doubt about values or motives" W3NID"These words (sarcastic, biting, caustic, cutting, and sardonic) refer to sharp, contemptuous behavior toward someone, especially when it is of a verbal nature. *Sarcastic,* which comes from a root meaning to tear flesh or to sneer, describes a person, statement, expression, attitude, or tone of voice that is heavily ironic to the point of being snide. A /sarcastic/ comment is generally scornful or taunting in tone, often expressing the opposite of what it literally says.

The word /sarcastic,/ in fact, often points to obnoxious arrogance, lacerating mockery, or wryly contemptuous teasing. By contrast, *sardonic,* which comes from a root that refers to a poison causing fatal, laughterlike convulsions, emphasizes a less direct or aggressive approach in favor of a mocking or sneering attitude that may be witty, ironic, or laughter-provoking. Where /sarcastic/ suggests an attempt to express and inspire contempt, /sardonic/ stresses the intent to ridicule.

Also, /sarcastic/ suggests single, ad hominem utterances, whereas /sardonic/ may suggest a far-reaching general attitude of somber cynicism that is not always directed at a person: his /sarcastic/ remarks about the speed and competence of the waiters; his /sardonic/ view about the possibilities for social reform ... ." (2)
Notes
(1) I'm quoting someone (John Lawler(?)) who quoted the OED.

(2) S. I. Hayakawa Use the Right Word, p. 525.

Mike Bandy

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[nq:1]Etymology of sardonic. L. sardoni-us, from Latin adj. for 'Sardinian', the descriptive epithet of bitter or scornful laughter; from the ... OED. "Sardonic wit gives a surface impression of humor, but underneath it is bitter or venomous." Christopher Green.[/nq]
I read yesterday that some Spanish troops ate the Sardonia instead of surrendering to the Romans - it appeared that they were mocking the Romans even in death.

"sardonic" vs. "sarcastic ?

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