— sardonically , adv. — sardonicism , n.
/sahr don"ik/ , adj.
characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.
[ 1630-40; alter. of earlier sardonian (influenced by F sardonique ) sardoni ( us ) ( sardónios of Sardinia) + -AN; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death ]
Syn . biting, mordant, contemptuous.