What does snarky mean?
The adjective snarky describes a tone or attitude that is slightly sarcastic or mocking, often in a witty or clever way. When someone makes a snarky comment, they are poking fun or being critical, usually with a hint of humor. This word is commonly used in informal contexts, such as social media, articles, or everyday conversations, to convey a sense of playful criticism or irony. While snarky can be used to describe a range of situations, it often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that someone is being unnecessarily critical or mocking. Nevertheless, snarky is a useful word for describing a particular type of humor or tone that is both clever and slightly biting.
adjectiveHaving or showing a slightly sarcastic or mocking tone in speech or writing.
- Having a slightly sarcastic tone
- Being witty or mocking in a clever way
"She gave a snarky reply to his comment, rolling her eyes in amusement."
"The snarky article poked fun at current events."
"His snarky remark about the movie was met with laughter."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of snarky
The word snarky originated in the late 19th century, derived from the noun snark, which was coined by Lewis Carroll in his 1876 poem 'The Hunting of the Snark'. The term snark has since taken on various meanings, including a snappish or waspish remark. The adjective snarky emerged as a way to describe someone or something that has a slightly sarcastic or mocking tone.
How snarky is actually used
Snarky is often used informally and can have a slightly negative connotation, implying that someone is being unnecessarily critical or mocking.