sharp tongue
4
6.1
- noun
:
lengua afilada
- His sharp tongue got him into trouble, as many found his comments too harsh.
- wit and a sharp tongue
- a very sharp tongue
And yes, Chelsea Handler, who specifically is known for for having a sharp tongue and a sharp wit.
- And yes, Chelsea Handler, who specifically is known for for having a sharp tongue and a sharp wit.
- Or if you know you have a habit of having a very sharp tongue, then you have to practice the method of when you start to get upset, say, you know what?
Examples
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You, on the other hand, have nothing except a sharp tongue and a smug attitude.
Blog text (27) -
She is known for her sharp tongue, often criticizing her friends in public.
-
Mary has a sharp tongue but a gentle touch.
Fiction book (1991) -
I can have a sharp tongue when I'm angry.
Blog text (22) -
You've got a sharp tongue.
-
You have a sharp tongue, Mr. Pitt.
Fiction book (1990) -
She liked to use a sharp tongue to see if it would affect a different outcome.
Blog text (7) -
According to his Facebook page, he is known for his sharp tongue and witty improvisation with the audience.
Blog text (20) -
And yes, Chelsea Handler, who specifically is known for for having a sharp tongue and a sharp wit.
-
The comedian's sharp tongue made her routines both humorous and biting.
Synonyms
27
9.5
Bitter, angry language that attacks people
6
4.8
A direct and honest way of speaking that can seem rude
3
8.5
A way of behaving that is mean and hurtful to other people
1
4.6
A harsh, sudden way of speaking that sounds unfriendly
1
6.6
A rough, unfriendly way of speaking or acting
1
8.1
A habit of saying harsh, hurtful things about other people
1
9.8
A sharp, bitter way of speaking that hurts people
1
7.0
A harsh, rude manner or tone that offends people
1
3.9
A harsh quality in a voice or behavior that feels severe
A tendency to make sharp, hurtful remarks
Speech or writing that is sharply critical and makes people feel bad
Speech or writing that is sharp and often hurts people
A harsh tone in speech or writing that hurts people
A sharp, bitter way of speaking that hurts people
A sharp, cutting way of speaking that sounds rude
A person who is easily annoyed and speaks in short, sharp words
Antonyms
How Harsh
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'sharp' (harsh, biting) with 'tongue' (speech/tone) in a directly compositional/metaphorical way, so the meaning 'speaks harshly or critically' is readily inferable from the parts. This is a common, transparent metaphor in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely understand it.
Etymology
Sharp tongue comes from the image of a sharp knife and a tongue: it makes us think of words that 'cut' people. So someone with a sharp tongue speaks in a 'harsh' or 'critical' way.