“Barb” can mean a sharp point on a hook, thorn, or arrow, or it can mean a cutting remark that is meant to hurt someone’s feelings. In everyday English, people most often use it to describe something sharp or a rude comment.
People use “barb” in normal conversation when talking about fishing hooks, plants with thorns, or when someone says something mean in a clever way. For example, a person might “throw a barb” during an argument, meaning they made a sharp, insulting comment.
Meaning & Usage
As a noun, “barb” usually refers to a pointed part that makes something harder to remove, like on a hook. It can also refer to a brief insult or sarcastic remark.
Examples
“The fishhook had a small barb.”
“She made a barb about his old car.”
“His speech was full of little barbs.”
What does “barb” mean in a sentence?
It usually means either a sharp point or a sharp, insulting comment, depending on the context.
Is “barb” always negative?
Not always. If it refers to a hook or thorn, it is neutral. If it refers to a comment, it is usually negative.
How do people use “barb” in daily English?
People use it to talk about sharp parts on objects or to describe a rude, cutting remark in conversation.
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