What is the term for sneering and often ironic language intended to hurt a person's feelings?

The term that describes sneering and often ironic language intended to hurt a person's feelings is sarcasm. Sarcasm typically involves a sharp, mocking tone where the speaker says the opposite of what they mean, often with the intent to belittle or criticize someone. This form of verbal irony is characterized by the incongruity between literal meaning and intended meaning, and it can be used effectively to express disdain or contempt.

While irony broadly refers to situations where the outcome is contrary to what was expected or where there is a disconnect between appearance and reality, it does not inherently carry the derogatory or hurtful intent that sarcasm does. Parody, on the other hand, is a humorous or satirical imitation of a particular genre or style, which does not necessarily aim to inflict emotional pain. Mockery involves making fun of someone or something but doesn’t always convey the specific tone or approach that sarcasm does.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why sarcasm is the most accurate term in this context, as it specifically emphasizes the intent to wound through sneering irony.