acidic tone
Sharp, corrosive delivery
An acidic tone is sharp, biting, or corrosive in its effect—speech or writing that stings like acid.
The phrase describes communication marked by cutting remarks, bitter sarcasm, or harsh criticism: She responded to the suggestion with an acidic tone that silenced the room.
Unlike merely angry speech, an acidic tone suggests precision in its cruelty.
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- sarcasticMockingly insincere in tone
- bitterSharp, unpleasant taste
sharp words · cutting · cutting remark · acerbic · biting wit · vinegar · harsh · snide · mordant · tart · corrosive · stinging · scathing · tongue lashing · sneering · mocking · cynical · lemon