sharp tongue

USAGE SUMMARY

"sharp tongue" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it to refer to someone who constantly speaks scathingly or sarcastically, or someone who talks too much. For example, "Joan has a sharp tongue - you never know what she'll say next!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet his sharp tongue has attracted controversy.

The New York Times

Mrs Friedan's sharp tongue made enemies everywhere.

The Economist

Many Tories relish his sharp tongue and languid wit.

The Economist

My sister has a forceful personality and a sharp tongue.

The New York Times

One should not confuse sharp eyes with a sharp tongue".

The New Yorker

Thanks to his sharp tongue, he became a national hero.

The Guardian - Film

He lacks Rumsfeld's combative intellect and sharp tongue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I would say that he had a sharp tongue, yes.

The New York Times

Like Ms. Siebert, she has a sharp tongue.

The New York Times

Li is a maverick, tattooed, with a sharp tongue and spunky court-side manner.

The New York Times

He plays the irascible liberal with a sharp tongue and a penchant for bizarre Cajun metaphors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, "sharp tongue" is more impactful when paired with contrasting positive qualities, like "a good heart" or "a wry sense of humor", to create a nuanced portrayal.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on the phrase "sharp tongue" to define a character. Provide specific examples of their cutting remarks to illustrate the phrase's meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp tongue" functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe a person's characteristic way of speaking. It typically modifies a noun (e.g., "She has a sharp tongue") and can also be used as a subject complement (e.g., "Her sharp tongue was her greatest liability"). As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes speaking scathingly or sarcastically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp tongue" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe someone who speaks in a critical, sarcastic, or harsh manner. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media contexts, but also appears in other genres. While often viewed negatively, it can also suggest intelligence and wit. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context and nuance to avoid oversimplification. Consider using alternative phrases like "caustic wit" or "biting sarcasm" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting remarks

Emphasizes the damaging effect of the words spoken.

caustic wit

Implies a clever but biting sense of humor, emphasizing the intelligence behind the cutting remarks.

scathing commentary

Suggests a comprehensive and harshly critical assessment.

biting sarcasm

Focuses on the use of sarcasm as a means of delivering harsh criticism.

tart words

Emphasizes the unpleasant and sour quality of the language used.

acerbic tone

Highlights the harshness and bitterness in the way someone speaks.

sarcastic nature

Highlights the individual's propensity to use sarcasm, often in a hurtful manner.

acidic language

Compares the spoken words to acid, highlighting their corrosive nature.

critical disposition

Focuses on the person's tendency to find fault and express negative opinions.

vitriolic speech

Implies a particularly venomous and hateful form of speech.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "sharp tongue"?

Having a "sharp tongue" refers to someone who tends to speak in a critical, sarcastic, or harsh manner. It often implies a quick wit used to make cutting remarks.

What are some alternative ways to say "sharp tongue"?

You can use alternatives like "caustic wit", "biting sarcasm", or "acerbic tone" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "sharp tongue"?

While often perceived negatively, a "sharp tongue" can also indicate intelligence, wit, and a refusal to tolerate foolishness. The context and intent behind the words are crucial.

How can I respond to someone with a "sharp tongue"?

Consider addressing the behavior directly but calmly. You might say something like, "I understand you're being direct, but your words come across as harsh." Alternatively, you can choose not to engage with the negativity.