Acerbic

Acerbic describes a person's tone or expression that is sharp, critical, and biting, often with a sarcastic edge. It implies a harsh and cutting way of speaking or writing, frequently used to criticize or make someone or something appear foolish. The word highlights a certain acid quality in the communication, leaving a stinging effect on the receiver. An acerbic comment is not necessarily meant to be malicious but often conveys a sense of intellectual superiority or disdain. It's important to recognize that the word can describe a person's disposition or their specific comments, and frequently conveys dissatisfaction or disapproval.

Acerbic meaning with examples

• The movie critic's acerbic review of the blockbuster film shredded its plot holes and predictable characters. His wit was sharp, and his words were carefully crafted to highlight the film's flaws. Despite the cutting remarks, his insight was seen as valuable to film goers, even if it stung some. This example reveals the power of language to express criticism effectively.
• Despite her generally friendly demeanor, she could sometimes be acerbic when discussing political issues. She'd launch into biting critiques of policy makers' decisions and display no tolerance for opposing views. She often used satire and irony. It was her way of expressing frustration with the state of the world that sometimes left her audience a bit shaken.
• His acerbic wit was legendary; he could dismantle arguments with a single, well-placed sarcastic remark. The repartee between the two was heated as he found humor in the flaws of others. However, some found his humor offensive. His ability to use humor and sarcasm to expose weakness was truly remarkable, and he never backed down.
• The novel's narrator adopted an acerbic tone throughout, exposing the hypocrisy of the upper class. The biting commentary and stinging insults highlighted the moral decay within the story's setting. Every line delivered a cynical viewpoint that added a lot of flavor. Her sharp wit kept the reader entertained, even though she was delivering a harsh critique.