Meaning & use
being snarky
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Meaning
phraseinformal
The act of speaking or behaving in a sharply critical, sarcastic, and slightly mocking way.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often the subject or object of a sentence.
Patterns
- being snarky about something
- being snarky to someone
- stop being snarky
His constant being snarky made it hard to have a serious conversation.
I don't mind criticism, but being snarky doesn't help.
She apologized for being snarky earlier.
Common combinations
- a snarky comment
- He made a snarky comment about her presentation.
- snarky tone
- I could hear the snarky tone in his voice.
- get snarky
- Don't get snarky with me.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sarcastic
- Similar, but 'sarcastic' often implies saying the opposite of what you mean to mock someone, while 'snarky' is more about a biting, critical attitude.
- snide
- More indirect and mean-spirited; 'snarky' can be playful or mildly rude.
Opposites
Word family
- snark noun
- Informal: sarcastic or critical remarks.
- snarkily adverb
- In a snarky manner.
Commonly confused: being snarky or snaky?
being snarky vs snaky
'Snaky' means like a snake or winding; 'snarky' means sarcastic and critical.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'snarky' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Snarky' describes a sharp, sarcastic remark that often makes people uncomfortable. The other options describe kindness, length, or silence, which do not match the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “being snarky”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.