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When Is a Comment "Facetious" and When Is It "Sarcastic"?
June 25, 2014
By Mignon Fogarty
Here's the latest in our series of tips on usage and style from the one and only Grammar Girl, a.k.a. Mignon Fogarty. What's the difference between facetious and sarcastic?
Facetious and sarcastic have similar meanings and can describe less-than-serious comments. Enterprising teens can find uses for both kinds of comments.
Neither comment is pure and earnest, but a sarcastic response is meaner than a facetious response. The roots of the words may help you remember which is which:
- Facetious comes from a Latin word that means "jest." A facetious comment is a joking comment—often inappropriate. Think of a jester or joker making a funny face at you, and remember the first part of facetious.
- Sarcastic comes from a Greek word that means "to speak bitterly or sneer." Ouch! A sarcastic response is less funny than a facetious response and more bitter and harsh. Think of a sarcastic person sneering at you, and remember that both words start with the letter s.
For more help in how to navigate words with similar meanings, check out Vocabulary.com's "Choose Your Words" feature.
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Comments from our users:
Thank you for explaining the difference between facetious and sarcastic. I have read on your site that sarcasm is a form of verbal irony. Where does facetious fit? Is it a type of irony?
BTW, I love your grammar game. Is there a way to play it on my computer rather than on my iPad?
Thank you,
Rhonda
Unfortunately, too often I am both facetious and or sarcastic.Both verbal devices prevent me from commiting murder.
Chris.
E.g. "OK, Doctor. I'll try to get more exercise. Does lifting a beer mug count?"
A sarcastic remark or question employs irony for comic effect, and is usually derogatory or critical.
E.g. "Oh, great, we can use a little more rain." (meaning: it's been raining for too long already)
The remark: "Nice hat!" might be sarcastic if it is intended to mean "that hat looks ridiculous." Moreover, it might also be facetious if the hat should not be mocked in that way (e.g., if it is a bishop's mitre).