Tracing the Origin of Sarcasm

The Sacarsm Origin:– Sarcasm did not always exist; in fact, it was invented by a particular individual at a specific point in time.

Diogenes of Sinope (circa 410-320BCE) was banished from the city of his birth for counterfeiting currency. He moved to Athens where he made a public display of mocking Plato and interrupting his lectures.

Diogenes, now known as the “cynic” (kynos, dog) — because he lived like a dog, in abject poverty — was famous for his philosophical stunts, like bringing a plucked chicken to one of Plato’s lectures and shouting “This is Plato’s man!” (Plato had defined “man” as a featherless biped; the definition was subsequently revised.)

Principles of Validity: What Logic Is and Isn’t

He carried a lantern in broad daylight, claiming that he was seeking an honest man. When Alexander the Great approached him, Diogenes said, “You’re blocking my sunlight.” He was sunbathing and did not rise to greet the Emperor. According to Plutarch, Alexander moved out of his light.

These over-the-top stunts, in somewhat muted form, evolved into what, today, we call “sarcasm.” Interestingly, the word “sarcasm” comes from a Greek root meaning “to bite”; hence, sarcasm is the bite of the dog.

Self Help from Self Growth.com

Homepage