Definition

Adjective: - Having a sharp/caustic tongue; being harshly critical in speech: Describes a person who frequently speaks in a harsh, biting, sarcastic, or malicious manner, often hurting others with their words. - Prone to malicious gossip; being a "mauvaise langue": Refers to a tendency to speak ill of others, spread unkind rumors, or make spiteful comments.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy nổi tiếng là người rất ác khẩu. (She is known to be a very sharp-tongued person.)
  • Đừng nên ác khẩu với người khác như vậy. (You shouldn't be so caustic with others like that.)
  • Bà ta ác khẩu nên chẳng ai muốn trò chuyện. (She has a viper's tongue, so no one wants to chat with her.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used to describe a consistent character trait rather than a single instance of speech.
• Can be used in formal criticism or informal complaints about someone's unpleasant way of speaking.

Variants and Related Words

• Ác miệng (adj): A near-synonym, also meaning sharp-tongued or foul-mouthed. The terms are often used interchangeably, though "ác khẩu" might emphasize the intent to harm, while "ác miệng" can sometimes refer more to vulgar language.
• Độc miệng (adj): Having a poisonous/venomous mouth; similarly describes someone who speaks hurtful words.
• Lưỡi không xương (idiom, noun phrase): "A tongue without bones"; implies someone who speaks carelessly, excessively, or maliciously.

Synonyms

• Hay chê bai (adj): Prone to criticism/disparagement.
• Hay nói xấu (adj): Prone to speaking ill (of others).
• Mauvaise langue (n, from French): A direct loan phrase used in Vietnamese with the same meaning.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Lưỡi sắc như dao (idiom): "A tongue as sharp as a knife"; describes extremely sharp, cutting speech.
• Ăn nói ác độc (verb phrase): To speak in a cruel/malicious manner.

1. như {ác miệng}