Barbed
Definitions
1. (Adjective) Having sharp points or edges, typically designed to cause injury or to catch something, often used in reference to fishing hooks, wire, or other objects.
2. (Adjective) Containing or expressing criticism or insult, often in a sharp or cutting manner.
Usage Examples
1. The barbed wire surrounding the compound prevented anyone from entering.
2. Her barbed remarks hurt his feelings deeply.
3. The barbed hooks were designed to trap fish more effectively.
Etymology
The word "barbed" comes from the Old French "barber," meaning "to sharpen," derived from the Latin "barba" meaning "beard," referring to the shape of the sharp points resembling a beard or whiskers. It has been used figuratively to describe sharp, pointed criticisms or remarks since the 17th century.
Synonyms
1. Sharp
2. Pointed
3. Cutting
4. Caustic
5. Sarcastic
Antonyms
1. Blunt
2. Soft
3. Gentle
4. Mild
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish | Con púas | /kon ˈpwas/ |
French | Barbelé | /baʁbəle/ |
German | Stachelig | /ˈʃtɑxəlɪç/ |
Italian | Con spine | /kon ˈspine/ |
Portuguese | Com espinhos | /kõ ʃpĩˈɲos/ |
Russian | С шипами | /s ʃɪˈpamɨ/ |
Chinese (Mandarin) | 有刺的 | /yǒu cì de/ |
Japanese | とげのある | /toge no aru/ |
Arabic | مُشَوَّك | /mushawwaq/ |
Hindi | कांटे वाले | /kāntē wālē/ |
Bengali | কাঁটাযুক্ত | /kāṭāẏukta/ |
Gujarati | કાંટાવાળું | /kāṭāvāḷuṁ/ |
Kannada | ಹುರುಳಿದ | /huralida/ |
Malayalam | കാട്ടുപടിയുള്ള | /kāṭṭupaṭiyuḷḷa/ |
Marathi | कांद्याच्या | /kāṇḍyācī/ |
Punjabi | ਕਾਂਟਿਆਂ ਵਾਲਾ | /kāṁṭiāṁ vāḷā/ |
Tamil | காந்தான | /kāntāṉa/ |
Telugu | కాంతైన | /kāntaina/ |
Urdu | کانٹوں والا | /kāṇṭoṅ wālā/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some areas, particularly in rural communities, "barbed" may be pronounced with a heavier emphasis on the "b" sound, making it sound more like "barb-ed" with a soft "e" in the middle. In other regions, particularly where the term is used to describe sharp criticisms, it might be spoken quickly in a conversational tone, blending the sounds together.
Historical Usage
The term "barbed" first appeared in the 15th century and was initially used to describe fishhooks and other sharp objects. Over time, its use expanded metaphorically to refer to sharp or cutting language, as in "barbed remarks," indicating that the words were as sharp as the hooks or wire from which the term originated.
Cultural Nuances
In modern contexts, the use of "barbed" is often associated with sharp, witty, or sarcastic remarks. The phrase "barbed comments" is used to describe comments that are intended to be biting or hurtful. In some cultures, sharp criticism is valued as a form of honest communication, while in others, it may be seen as socially inappropriate. The interpretation of barbed language depends heavily on the cultural context in which it is used.
More Information
Barbed wire, used for fencing, is a direct descendant of the term "barbed." Its design consists of sharp points that make it difficult for people or animals to pass through without injury. The invention of barbed wire revolutionized the way people fenced in livestock and secured property, particularly in the American West. The use of "barbed" in language extends beyond physical objects, encompassing a broad range of expressions intended to make an impact through sharpness—whether in the literal sense, such as barbed hooks, or the figurative, as with barbed words.