1.
sarcasm, irony, cynicism
A mocking or ironic remark, or the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning.
2.
ironic, contrary to expectations
A situation where the outcome is contrary to what was expected, often in a cruel or unfortunate way.
皮肉 can function as both a noun and a na-adjective. It covers both verbal sarcasm and situational irony.
Common patterns:
- 皮肉を言う (to say something sarcastic)
- 皮肉を込めて (with sarcasm, sarcastically)
- 皮肉なことに (ironically)
- 皮肉な結果 (ironic result)
The word literally combines 皮 (skin) and 肉 (flesh/meat), suggesting something superficial or surface-level, hence the meaning of saying the opposite of what one means.