Difference Between Facetious and Sarcastic

Main Difference – Facetious vs. Sarcastic

Both facetious and sarcastic are adjectives that describe two types of remarks or statements between which a difference can be identified. A facetious remark is a flippant remark made about a serious issue in an attempt to be funny whereas a sarcastic remark can be described as a sharp, bitter remark or a taunt, with the aim of conveying disdain. This is the main difference between facetious and sarcastic.

What Does Facetious Mean

The word facetious is derived from the Latin facetus meaning witty or amusing. In modern usage, this word generally means being flippant or dismissive about a serious issue, in an attempt to be funny or to appear to be clever. This can be also described as taking a serious subject with deliberate inappropriate humor. Facetious is often used to describe a remark or a statement made by an individual. When a comedian makes a facetious remark, it is considered as a joke and is taken slightly. Therefore, the aim of being facetious is to be humourous and make others laugh without a malicious intent.

What Does Sarcastic Mean

The word sarcastic is derived from Greek sarkazein meaning to tear flesh, grind the teeth or speak bitterly. The adjective sarcastic is often used with nouns like remark or statement. Sarcasm can be described as the use of irony to deliberately convey one’s contempt or to mock someone. It is a sharp, bitter remark or a taunt. It is a figure of speech that is used to mock and ridicule with the purpose of hurting someone.

The Oxford Dictionary defines sarcasm as “the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.” In sarcasm, you mean the exact opposite of what you say. It is often an insult in the form of praise. Sarcasm is meant to be harsh and rude, therefore, the aim of sarcasm can be described as insulting, mocking or ridiculing someone. Thus, it can bring about destructive results.

Sarcasm is sometimes difficult to detect by looking at the content of the remark, but it can be detected by the speaker’s tone or mood. Below given are some examples of sarcastic remarks.

“You have worked hard” he said looking at my empty page.

“Do not sit, stand, climb or lean on the fences. If you fall animals could eat you and that might make them sick.”

“Jane Austen’s books, too, are missing from this library. Just that one omission alone would make a fairly good library out of a library that hadn’t a book in it.” – Mark Twain.

“He is a man of great common sense and good taste… meaning thereby a man without originality or moral courage.” – George Bernard Shaw.

“Good fences make good neighbors.” – Robert Frost