asteism

CIDE DICTIONARY

asteism, n. [Gr. refined and witty talk, fr. of the town, polite, witty, fr. city: cf. F. astéisme.].

 Genteel irony; a polite and ingenious manner of deriding another.  [1913 Webster]

ROGET THESAURUS

asteism

Ridicule

N ridicule, derision, sardonic smile, sardonic grin, irrision, scoffing, mockery, quiz, banter, irony, persiflage, raillery, chaff, badinage, quizzing, asteism, squib, satire, skit, quip, quib, grin, parody, burlesque, travesty, travestie, farce, caricature, buffoonery, practical joke, horseplay, scorn, contempt, derisory, derisive, mock, mocking, sarcastic, ironic, ironical, quizzical, burlesque, Hudibrastic, scurrilous, in ridicule.