Juvenalian
9.9
A sharp, bitter style of writing that criticizes people or society
- adjective
- /ˌjuːvəˈneɪliən/
- Literature
:
juvenal
- Critics praised the novel for its Juvenalian tone, which effectively conveyed bitterness towards contemporary issues.
Examples
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Her Juvenalian humor targets the hypocrisy of politicians and societal norms.
-
In striving for a Juvenalian effect, the more formal of our translators seem to have slackened their customary syntactic discipline.
Academic text (2002) -
The playwright's latest work features a Juvenalian critique of modern society's moral decay.
Synonyms
32
6.3
Using humor to make fun of people's faults, often about politics
is darker and more bitter instead of playful or topical criticism
2
6.5
Using humor to show and criticize people's foolish or bad actions
is harsher and more scornful rather than generally mocking or humorous
1
8.7
Expressing sharp, often ironic criticism that can feel harsh
is more bitter and scornful rather than simply critical
9.9
Sharp, biting satire that mocks people and society
is more bitter and scornful rather than merely sharp or biting
How Harsh
Surface Forms
Juvenalian positive
Etymology
Juvenalian comes from a Roman poet named Juvenal, who used a bitter, angry style to attack the faults of his society. So calling something Juvenalian means it uses sharp, scornful satire.