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barb

noun

/bɑːb/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of barb

A sharp or pointed remark, referring to a cutting or critical comment that is intended to wound or hurt someone emotionally.
"The politician's barb towards his opponent sparked a heated exchange."

Detailed meaning of barb

These remarks are often characterized by their sharpness and can be laced with sarcasm, ridicule, or hostility. Barbs are typically used in conversations or exchanges to criticize, belittle, or provoke a reaction from the recipient. Such remarks can be particularly hurtful because they are designed to pierce emotional defenses and leave a lasting impact. People may use barbs to express frustration, anger, or disapproval, but they can also be harmful if not used thoughtfully, as they can damage relationships and communication.

Example sentences containing barb

1. Her sarcastic barb left a sting in his heart.
2. His thoughtless barb wounded her self-esteem.
3. The politician's barb ignited a heated debate.
4. A well-aimed barb can cut deeper than a sword.
5. The critic's barb struck at the heart of the artist's work.
6. Her snide barb at the meeting soured the atmosphere.

History and etymology of barb

The noun 'barb,' when referring to a sharp or pointed remark, has an etymology related to weaponry. It traces its origins to the Middle French word 'barbe,' which means 'beard.' In medieval times, many weapons, such as arrows and spears, were outfitted with barbed tips or points, characterized by projections resembling the beard of a fishhook, designed to cause more damage upon penetration. Over time, this concept of a sharp projection that inflicts harm was metaphorically applied to language, where a 'barb' came to signify a cutting or critical comment intended to wound or hurt someone emotionally. The etymology of 'barb' underscores the idea of linguistic sharpness and the potential harm that words can inflict, much like the pointed tips of medieval weapons.

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Further usage examples of barb

1. He responded to the insult with a witty barb of his own.
2. The barb in his words revealed hidden resentment.
3. The journalist's barb questioned the integrity of the company.
4. The barb from her friend hurt more than she expected.
5. A hurtful barb can linger long after the words are spoken.
6. The barb in his tone made her reconsider the friendship.
7. A well-timed barb can expose the truth in a situation.
8. His cutting barb silenced the room in an instant.
9. The barb in her criticism left scars on their relationship.
10. The barb was a reminder of past grievances.
11. Her constant barbs eroded their friendship over time.
12. The comedian's barb drew laughter from the audience.
13. The barb in his comment revealed a hidden agenda.
14. She regretted the barb as soon as it left her lips.
15. The comedian's barbs towards the audience fell flat and were met with silence.
16. The teacher's barb towards the student's answer embarrassed them in front of the class.
17. The journalist's barb in the interview caused controversy and backlash.
18. The friend's barb towards the other's appearance caused hurt feelings.
19. The artist's barbs towards the critic showed their defensive attitude.
20. The actor's barb towards the director's choice caused tension on set.
21. The employee's barb towards their coworker led to a dispute.
22. The athlete's barbs towards their opponent's abilities showed their competitive spirit.
23. The writer's use of barbs in the article caused a stir among readers.
24. The boss's barbs towards their employees created a toxic work environment.
25. The customer's barbs towards the waiter's service caused discomfort for others in the restaurant.