puckermob.com/lifestyle/sorry-but-sarkastic-people-are-actually-smarter-than-you-are
Some language experts suggest sarcasm is used as a sort of gentler insult, a way to tone down criticism with indirectness and humor. Other researchers have found that the mocking, smug, superior nature of sarcasm is perceived as more hurtful than a plain-spoken criticism; in fact, the Greek root for sarcasm, sarkazein, means to tear flesh like dogs.
Some language experts suggest sarcasm is used as a sort of gentler insult, a way to tone down criticism with indirectness and humor. Other researchers have found that the mocking, smug, superior nature of sarcasm is perceived as more hurtful than a plain-spoken criticism; in fact, the Greek root for sarcasm, sarkazein, means to tear flesh like dogs.
