Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sharp-tongued; caustic; acerbic: Describes speech, a tone, or a person's manner of speaking that is harsh, biting, and intended to criticize or hurt, often with a sarcastic or ironic edge.
   • Acrimonious; bitter: Characterizes remarks or attitudes that are full of resentment, animosity, or spite.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy nổi tiếng với giọng điệu chua ngoa. (She is famous for her sharp-tongued tone.)
  • Anh ta đáp lại bằng một câu nói chua ngoa. (He replied with a caustic remark.)
  • Bà ấy là một người đàn bà chua ngoa. (She is an acrimonious woman.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a habitual or characteristic manner of speaking, not just a single instance. It suggests a personality trait of being verbally harsh and sarcastic.

Variants and Related Words

• Chua cay (adj): bitter, acrid (can describe both taste and speech, but is slightly less focused on the sarcastic, biting tone than "chua ngoa").
• Đay nghiến (adj): nagging, reproachful (focuses more on persistent, scolding criticism).

Synonyms

• Caustic: Bitingly sarcastic.
• Acerbic: Sharp and forthright, especially in speech.
• Acrimonious: Angry and bitter in tone or manner.
• Sarcastic: Using irony to mock or convey contempt.

Related Idioms

• Miệng lưỡi chua ngoa: A "sharp tongue"; used to describe a person known for their caustic speech.
  • Đừng để ý đến miệng lưỡi chua ngoa của họ. (Don't pay attention to their sharp tongues.)

1. Sharp-tongued
   • giọng chua ngoa
     a sharp tongue