1. Ancient Greek: "sarkasmos" (σαρκασμός)
* This word originally meant "to tear flesh" or "to bite the flesh." It referred to a sharp and biting remark that was likened to the action of tearing flesh.
2. Latin: "sarcasmus"
* The Greeks' "sarkasmos" was adopted into Latin as "sarcasmus," retaining the same basic meaning of a biting, critical remark.
3. English: "sarcasm"
* The word entered English in the 16th century, directly from the Latin "sarcasmus." The original meaning of "tearing flesh" morphed into the metaphorical meaning of "cutting" or "harshly critical" speech.
Therefore, the origin of "sarcasm" lies in the vivid imagery of tearing flesh, reflecting the sharp and painful nature of this form of verbal irony.