Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark. Sarcasm has been suggested as a possible bullying action in some circumstances.

Hostile, critical comments may be expressed in an ironic way, such as saying "don't work too hard" to a lazy worker. The use of irony introduces an element of humour which may make the criticism seem more polite and less aggressive. Sarcasm can frequently be unnoticed in print form, often times requiring the inflection or tone of voice to indicate the quip.