sharp tongue
noun1
Idiomatic The practice or characteristic of speaking to others in a harsh, critical, or insulting manner.
- Times grew worse and worse with Rip Van Winkle as years of matrimony rolled on; a tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.1819, Washington Irving, Rip Van Winkle:
- He hated the Professor, who smelt the rogue in him, and scourged him continually with his sharp tongue.1910, H. Rider Haggard, chapter 5, in Queen Sheba's Ring:
1 more example
- Mr. Thomas rarely misses a chance to use his sharp tongue. Republicans are terrified of him; Democrats call him a bully.2003 July 28, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, “Washington Memo: Can a 'Wire Brush' Learn Civility?”, in New York Times, retrieved 12 May 2014:
- Related terms
- silver tongue, wicked tongue