From Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Ed:

patronize: to adopt an air of condescension toward : treat haughtily or cooly

sarcasm: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usu. directed against an individual

My first post was an attempt at sarcasm. I intended this one to be patronizing, only to demonstrate the difference.

?uest is the king of sarcasm, particularly when people ask him questions he has already answered. This is the spirit in which I responded to him. Giving him a taste of his own medicine, so to speak.

I thought it was humorous, with the Babelfish link a nice touch. Yet, if my witty barbs failed to fly true, alas, I must plead a momentary lapse of self-control, as I find myself suffering the dual detriment of sleep deprivation and overwork, and I most humbly ask for lenience .

Or, like they say, fuck him if he can't take a joke.

RED
(okay, now who else did I piss off?)