Grimly mocking or cynical; characterized by bitter, scornful humor that often reveals disdain or skepticism. Describes a form of humor that is darkly ironic.
From Greek 'sardonios' referring to 'sardonios gelos' (sardonic laughter), supposedly from a Sardinian plant that caused facial contortions resembling bitter laughter when eaten. The connection to the island of Sardinia gave us this word for bitter, mocking humor.
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