snarky

IPA/ˈsnɑːki/
IPA/ˈsnɑːrki/

snarky — adjective

  • snarkypositive
  • snarkiercomparative
  • snarkiestsuperlative

1. saying critical or unkind things in a sarcastic, mocking way that is meant to ma

1.形容詞B2
釋義

saying critical or unkind things in a sarcastic, mocking way that is meant to make someone feel small or foolish

例句

Mira left a snarky comment under her brother's cooking video.

snarky comment: a sarcastic, unkind remark

Feng's snarky reply made the whole meeting room go silent.

同義詞
  • sarcastic

    can be playful or affectionate; snarky is always mean-spirited

  • caustic

    more formal and intensely wounding; often describes written criticism

  • cutting

    focuses on the emotional hurt caused, not necessarily sarcastic in manner

反義詞
  • complimentary

    expressing praise rather than criticism

  • kind

    showing care rather than mockery

用法筆記

Typically modifies words related to speech or expression: comment, reply, tone, review, remark. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about sarcastic words meant to wound; sense 2 describes an irritable mood with no sarcasm.

常見錯誤

❌He made a snarky joke that everyone laughed at happily.
✅He made a snarky comment that left everyone uncomfortable.
💡snarky humour wounds the target; if everyone enjoys it, use 'sarcastic' or 'witty' instead.

2. easily made angry or annoyed; quick to snap at people over small things

2.形容詞C1
釋義

easily made angry or annoyed; quick to snap at people over small things

例句

Gita gets snarky before her morning coffee every single day.

get snarky: become irritable (habitual pattern)

The snarky toddler refused to eat and threw his bowl on the floor.

同義詞
  • irritable

    more general and neutral; not specifically informal

  • crotchety

    more old-fashioned; often describes elderly people

  • snappish

    emphasizes short-tempered verbal responses

反義詞

用法筆記

Describes a temporary mood, not a permanent personality. Often follows 'get' or 'become.' Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about irritability without sarcasm; the person is grumpy, not mocking.

常見錯誤

❌Her snarky reply showed she was in a bad mood.' (when you mean irritable, not sarcastic)
✅Her snappy reply showed she was in a bad mood.
💡use 'snappy' or 'cranky' when the meaning is irritable without sarcasm.