/
sɑːˈdɒnɪk/
adj.
grimly mocking or cynical.
Derivative
- sardonically adv.
- sardonicism n.
Etymology
C17: from Fr. sardonique, earlier sardonien, via L. from Gk sardonios ‘of Sardinia’, alt. of sardanios, used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter.