adjective

snarky

SNAH-kee

Snarky (adjective) means Sarcastic and mildly mocking, often out of irritation. Example: “She left a snarky comment under the celebrity's post.”

adjective

Sarcastic and mildly mocking, often out of irritation.

"She left a snarky comment under the celebrity's post."

How to use snarky

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCuttingly sarcastic, usually in a knowing or smug way.

When to use it

Informal; common in online and casual speech.

Common pairings

a snarky remark snarky tone

snarkier comparative, snarkiest superlative

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She left a _____ comment under the celebrity's post.

From snark ("to snort") plus -y; the "sarcastic" meaning became widespread in the late 1990s.

· First attested 1990

Class of 1990 snarky joined the language around 1990.

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What does “snarky” mean?

The word “snarky” means sarcastic and mildly mocking, often out of irritation. In plain terms, cuttingly sarcastic, usually in a knowing or smug way.

How do you pronounce “snarky”?

“Snarky” is pronounced SNAH-kee (/ˈsnɑɹ.ki/ in IPA).

How do you use “snarky” in a sentence?

Here is “snarky” used in a sentence: “She left a snarky comment under the celebrity's post.”

What part of speech is “snarky”?

“Snarky” is an adjective.

Where does the word “snarky” come from?

The word “snarky” dates back to around 1990. From snark ("to snort") plus -y; the "sarcastic" meaning became widespread in the late 1990s.