/ sɑːˈdɒnɪk; NAmE sɑːrˈdɑːnɪk/ adjective
( disapproving ) showing that you think that you are better than other people and do not take them seriously
SYN mocking :
a sardonic smile
► sar·don·ic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French sardonique , earlier sardonien , via Latin from Greek sardonios of Sardinia, alteration of sardanios , used by Homer to describe bitter or scornful laughter.