Definition

Noun: A tendency or manner of speaking that is harsh, critical, sarcastic, or severely judgmental. It describes a person's characteristic use of biting, hurtful, or caustic remarks.

Usage

A "sharp tongue" is used to describe a person's habitual way of speaking, not a single instance. It implies a consistent trait. It is often used in the phrase "to have a sharp tongue" or "to be known for a sharp tongue." * It is typically considered a negative or critical description of someone's personality. * It can sometimes be used with a degree of reluctant admiration for someone who speaks blunt truths.

Examples

• Be careful what you say to her; she has a sharp tongue. (This warns that the person is likely to respond with a critical or hurtful remark.)
• He was known for his sharp tongue and quick wit, which made him a feared debater. (This describes a characteristic trait of being critically eloquent.)
• Despite her sharp tongue, her friends knew she had a kind heart. (This contrasts her harsh manner of speaking with her underlying good nature.)

Advanced Usage

• "To lash with a sharp tongue": To criticize someone severely with words.
  • The critic lashed the performance with her sharp tongue.
• "A tongue as sharp as a razor": An idiom that intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the cutting, hurtful quality of the speech.
  • Her tongue was as sharp as a razor, leaving everyone in the room stung by her comments.

Variants and Related Words

• Sharp-tongued (adjective): Describing a person who has or uses a sharp tongue.
  • He is a sharp-tongued commentator who spares no one.

Synonyms

• Sarcasm: The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.
• Acrimony: Bitterness or ill feeling in speech or manner.
• Trenchancy: Vigor or incisiveness in expression or style (can be less negative).
• Cattiness: Spiteful, often indirect, criticism.

Antonyms

• Tact: Sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
• Diplomacy: The skill of handling affairs without causing hostility.
• Gentleness: Mildness or kindness in manner or speech.

Related Idioms

• "To have a biting tongue": Very similar in meaning to "sharp tongue," emphasizing the wounding effect.
• "To hold one's tongue": To refrain from speaking. This is often advised for someone with a sharp tongue.
  • Sometimes it's better to just hold your tongue.

Noun

1. a bitter or critical manner of speaking