Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Biting, cutting, venomous: Describes words, criticism, or attitudes that are intentionally hurtful, malicious, and cause deep emotional pain or bitterness. It implies a sharp, acerbic quality intended to wound.
   • Caustic, acrimonious: Characterizes speech or behavior that is harsh, bitter, and full of spite.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Lời phê bình của anh ấy thật cay độc. (His criticism was truly biting/venomous.)
  • Cô ấy đáp lại bằng một nụ cười cay độc. (She replied with a caustic smile.)
  • Giọng nói của hắn nghe thật cay độc. (His tone sounded extremely acrimonious.)

Advanced Usage

• "cay độc" in figurative language: Often used to describe not just words but the nature of an action or a person's intent that is deeply hurtful.
  • Âm mưu của kẻ phản bội thật cay độc. (The traitor's scheme was truly venomous/malicious.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cay (adj): Can mean "spicy" (for food) or, figuratively, "bitter" or "sharp" (for experiences or words). It is the root suggesting sharpness or bitterness.
• Độc (adj): Means "poisonous" or "toxic." In combination, it intensifies the harmful, malicious intent.
• Chua cay (adj): Bitter and sour; describes a situation or remark that is bitterly harsh or painful.
• Độc địa (adj): Malicious, vicious, wicked. A close synonym emphasizing evil intent.

Synonyms

• Ác ý: Malicious, with ill intent.
• Nhẫn tâm: Heartless, cruel.
• Sắc bén: Sharp, incisive (can be neutral or negative depending on context).
• Chua ngoa: Sharp-tongued, acrid (specifically for speech).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Lời nói cay độc: Venomous/cutting words.
• Thái độ cay độc: A caustic/bitter attitude.
• Sự châm chọc cay độc: Biting/acerbic teasing.

1. Biting, cutting
   • lời châm biếm cay độc
     a cutting sarcasm