嫌味
Meanings
unpleasantness; nastiness; tastelessness
Refers to the quality of being disagreeable, offensive, or in poor taste. Often used for remarks, attitudes, or styles that feel sarcastic, snide, or deliberately unpleasant.
There was a disagreeable tone in the way he said it.
That outfit has a rather tasteless design, don't you think?
cutting remark; sarcastic comment; snide remark
A specific unpleasant or sarcastic remark. Often used in phrases like 嫌味を言う (to make a snide comment).
She always makes nothing but snide remarks.
You'd better just ignore that sarcastic comment.
Usage patterns
- 嫌味な〈人〉a nasty/snide person
I try to be careful not to come across as a nasty person.
- 〈事〉が嫌味に聞こえるfor something to sound snide/sarcastic
His way of speaking sounded snide.
- 嫌味たっぷりに〈動詞〉to do something loaded with sarcasm
She criticized my outfit with plenty of sarcasm.
- 〈人〉に嫌味を言われるto be on the receiving end of someone's snide remark
My boss made a snide comment about my clothes.
Expressions
- 嫌味を言うmake snide remarks; say sarcastic things