n. 25B6; noun
the hook has a nasty barb : SPIKE, prong, spur, thorn, needle, prickle, spine, quill.
the barbs from his critics : INSULT, sneer, jibe, cutting remark, shaft, slight, brickbat, slur, jeer, taunt; ( barbs ) abuse, disparagement, scoffing, scorn, sarcasm, goading; informal dig, put-down.