sharp-tongued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp-tongued" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who speaks in a harsh or critical manner, often with a biting wit. Example: "Her sharp-tongued remarks often left her colleagues feeling insulted and defensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm rather sharp-tongued myself," she said.

The New York Times

Gone was the cold, arrogant, sharp-tongued technocrat.

The Economist

Both plays are eloquent and compact, sharp-tongued and controlled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"She's really sharp-tongued and funny," he said.

The New York Times

The sharp-tongued English press continued to poke at Obrist.

The New Yorker

And he can be sharp-tongued about his critics.

The New York Times - Health

"He's so acidic, so sharp-tongued, so blunt".

The New York Times

Ms. Ayllon is a highly strung, sharp-tongued, funny performer.

The New York Times - Arts

He is white-haired and frail but sharp-tongued.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kaira expressed regret for his sharp-tongued attacks and offered his congratulations.

The New York Times

"Don't you understand?" tiny, sharp-tongued, 76-year-old Agnes explains.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp-tongued" to describe someone who is witty but often uses their wit to criticize or belittle others. Ensure that the context makes it clear whether this trait is viewed positively or negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp-tongued" when you simply mean someone is articulate or intelligent. The phrase specifically implies a tendency towards critical or insulting remarks, not just general cleverness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp-tongued" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, typically modifying a noun (usually a person) to indicate they are known for their biting or critical way of speaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe someone who speaks in a harsh or critical manner, often with a biting wit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp-tongued" is a common adjective used to describe individuals known for their biting, critical, and often witty remarks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently used across various media, especially News & Media. While often negative, the term can also suggest cleverness. Related phrases include "acerbic", "caustic", and "acid-tongued", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "sharp-tongued", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the intent – a tendency to criticize, rather than just intelligence or articulation. A "sharp-tongued" individual isn't merely clever; they wield their wit like a blade.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acid-tongued

Emphasizes the bitter and unpleasant nature of someone's speech.

acerbic

Refers to a style that is particularly biting and often sarcastic.

caustic

Implies a burning or corrosive quality in speech, often intended to wound.

biting

Focuses on the sharp and penetrating quality of the speech.

cutting

Suggests a remark that deeply hurts or wounds the recipient.

mordant

Indicates a biting and critical quality, often with a humorous edge.

trenchant

Highlights the incisive and penetrating nature of the remarks.

vitriolic

Conveys extreme bitterness and malice in speech.

sarcastic

Highlights the use of irony and mockery to convey contempt.

scathing

Suggests a severely critical and often public attack.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp-tongued" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp-tongued" to describe a person known for their biting or critical remarks. For example, "The "sharp-tongued critic" was known for her brutally honest reviews."

What's a more formal alternative to "sharp-tongued"?

While "sharp-tongued" is widely understood, consider alternatives like "acerbic" or "caustic" for a more formal or literary tone, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, you may say "the journalist's "acerbic wit" made her a difficult interviewee".

Is it always negative to be described as "sharp-tongued"?

While often negative, describing someone as "sharp-tongued" can also imply a certain wit or cleverness, especially if their remarks are insightful or humorous. However, it generally suggests a tendency to criticize, so consider the context.

What is the difference between "sharp-tongued" and "outspoken"?

"Outspoken" simply means someone expresses their opinions freely and honestly, while "sharp-tongued" implies a tendency to make critical or cutting remarks. Someone can be outspoken without being "sharp-tongued".