acid tongue
Biting speech habit
An acid tongue is a tendency toward sharp, cutting, or caustic speech.
Someone with an acid tongue delivers remarks that sting—witty perhaps, but often cruel: Her acid tongue made enemies at every dinner party.
The phrase suggests habitual harshness rather than occasional sharpness.
Also appears as acid-tongued: an acid-tongued critic.
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- sharp witQuick, biting cleverness
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- venomousProducing injected toxins
cutting · barbed · sarcastic · bitter · harsh · scathing · verbal jabs · cruel · wit · snide · vicious · remarks · sting · poison · poison pen · wicked · blunt · brutal
acid tonguehoneyed words
Pleasing but manipulative speech
kind words · silver tongue · dulcet tones · mild manner · sweet talk
acid tongueflattery
Excessive insincere praise
praise · affirmation · diplomatic language · compliments · reassurance
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