The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SARCASM
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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More clues leading to the result SARCASM
- Mockery scars a wretched maiden
- In High Mass a participant inserted insulting language
- Much of investigation into small weapon gets contemptuous response
- Mockery scars a suffering maiden
- Contemptuous remarks, as bones turned up in the middle of Portsmouth
- Scornful language and right after it, audible yawning
- Possibly a crass term for cynicism?
- Mockery of victims a crash trapped? Revolting
- Small bow when Monsieur makes scornful remarks
- Ruler losing time with speaker’s opening gibes
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "contemptuous response" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case contemptuous response = sarcasm.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SARCASM mean?
SARCASM noun- Use of acerbic language to mock or convey contempt, often using irony and (in speech) often marked by overemphasis and a sneering tone of voice.
- An act of sarcasm.