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1579, from L.L. sarcasmos, from Gk. sarkasmos "a sneer, jest, taunt, mockery," from sarkazein "to speak bitterly, sneer," lit. "to strip off the flesh," from sarx (gen. sarkos) "flesh," prop. "piece of meat," from PIE base *twerk- "to cut" (cf. Avestan thwares "to cut"). Sarcastic is from 1695. For nuances of usage, see humor.
1680s, from Fr. orgasme, from Gk. orgasmos "excitement, swelling," from organ "be in heat, become ripe for," lit. "to swell, be excited," related to orge "impulse, excitement, anger," from PIE base *wrog- "to burgeon, swell with strength" (cf. Skt. urja "a nourishment, sap, vigor," O.Ir. ferc, ferg "anger"). The verb is attested from 1973, originally and usually in reference to a woman's sexual climax. Orgasmic is attested from 1935.
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