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waspish remark

waspish remark

7.7
A short sharp comment that criticizes someone in a hurtful or sarcastic way
  • noun
  • /ˈwɑːspɪʃ rɪˈmɑrk/
translation icon : comentario mordaz
  • She delivered another waspish remark that left everyone in stunned silence.

Examples

  • Tired of her waspish remarks, he decided not to engage further.

  • Her waspish remark about his outfit was quite hurtful.

  • His waspish remark offended several members of the team.

  • I couldn't believe his waspish remark during the meeting.

  • His waspish remark offended several members of the team.

  • She delivered another waspish remark that left everyone in stunned silence.

  • Her waspish remark about his outfit was quite hurtful.

Synonyms

slam
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
34 6.3

An insulting remark meant to hurt someone

is more sarcastic and mocking rather than blunt aggression
dig
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
33 8.1

A short sarcastic remark that criticizes someone

is sharper and more bitter rather than merely witty
snark
vswaspish remark
  • Informal
18 8.6

A clever mocking remark that often sounds rude

is more sharply critical and less playful in intent
barb
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
14 6.4

A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone

is similar but often uses sarcasm rather than direct hurt
nasty comment
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
4 3.5

A rude remark that hurts or upsets someone

is sharper and uses biting sarcasm rather than general nastiness
sneer
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
3 5.6

A remark said to insult someone and show you do not respect them

is more verbally sharp and sarcastic rather than merely scornful
insulting remark
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
1 3.2

A rude comment meant to hurt someone or show no respect

is sharper and uses sarcasm rather than plain disrespect
caustic remark
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
1 7.2

A harshly critical comment that aims to hurt or mock someone

is similarly sharp but focuses more on biting sting than full mockery
catty remark
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
1 7.4

A mean comment that aims to hurt someone

is more sarcastic and biting rather than petty social cruelty
snippy remark
vswaspish remark
1 6.3

A short sharp comment that sounds rude

is more sarcastic and cutting rather than merely curt
acerb comment
vswaspish remark
8.7

A sharp remark that hurts or shocks people

is sharp and sarcastic but often less bitter and more stinging
acidulous remark
vswaspish remark
8.4

A sharp, slightly bitter comment that can hurt feelings

is more strongly biting and more openly sarcastic
trenchant remark
vswaspish remark
  • Formal
8.2

A sharp, clear comment that shows deep understanding and criticizes

is more sarcastic and less focused on insight
sharp-edged comment
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
6.6

A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings

is often sharper with sarcastic bite rather than plain harshness
vitriolic remark
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
8.9

A very harsh and angry comment meant to hurt someone

is sharp and sarcastic but less extremely cruel in tone
bitchy comment
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
8.8

A mean remark that hurts or criticizes someone

is more sharply sarcastic and less merely petty
slagging comment
vswaspish remark
  • Offensive
8.7

A rude remark that criticizes or insults someone

is more sarcastic and edged rather than plain insulting

Antonyms

534 1.0

Being helpful and caring toward other people

18 4.2

Saying good things about someone to show you admire them

How Sharp

vitriolic remark
  • Offensive
8.9
waspish remark
7.7
criticism
512 3.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

waspish + remark

The adjective 'waspish' conveys irritability or sharpness, so combined with 'remark' it straightforwardly denotes a sharply critical or biting comment. This is a regular adjective + noun composition and the figurative 'waspish' sense maps clearly onto tone, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

The phrase waspish remark comes from the small insect the wasp, which gives a quick sting. A waspish person makes short, sharp remarks, so a waspish remark is a comment that 'stings' or is sharply critical or sarcastic.