SHARP TONGUE Meaning and
Definition
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A sharp tongue refers to the trait or characteristic of a person who consistently speaks in a sharp, critical, or cutting manner. This expression is often used to describe individuals who possess a keen ability to deliver harsh and biting remarks or comments, often laced with sarcasm or irony. Those with a sharp tongue tend to have a quick wit and a razor-sharp intellect, enabling them to swiftly come up with clever, acerbic responses that can be hurtful or offensive. This term can also imply that the person's words are incisive, piercing, or penetrative, as they have a tendency to accurately identify faults, weaknesses, or inconsistencies in others.
A person with a sharp tongue is highly skilled in verbal confrontation or argumentation and may possess the power to inflict emotional pain or humiliation through their words. This quality can make them formidable opponents in debates or verbal exchanges. However, it is important to note that possessing a sharp tongue does not always imply malicious intent; some individuals may use their quick-wittedness to entertain others or to highlight flaws constructively.
In social interactions, having a sharp tongue may yield mixed responses, as some may appreciate the wit and humor, while others can be offended or hurt by the cutting remarks. Therefore, it is essential for those with a sharp tongue to be mindful of the impact of their words and to exercise empathy and sensitivity when communicating with others.
Common Misspellings for SHARP TONGUE
- aharp tongue
- zharp tongue
- xharp tongue
- dharp tongue
- eharp tongue
- wharp tongue
- sgarp tongue
- sbarp tongue
- snarp tongue
- sjarp tongue
- suarp tongue
- syarp tongue
- shzrp tongue
- shsrp tongue
- shwrp tongue
- shqrp tongue
- shaep tongue
- shadp tongue
- shafp tongue
Etymology of SHARP TONGUE
The etymology of the phrase "sharp tongue" can be traced back to the Old English language. The word "sharp" originated from the Old English word "scearp", which meant "having a cutting edge" or "keen". It was commonly used to refer to objects with a sharp or pointed quality. Over time, this word was figuratively extended to describe someone's wit or speech as sharp, implying a quick, clever, and incisive manner of speaking.
The word "tongue" has a similar story. In Old English, the word "tunge" or "tungea" referred to the anatomical organ of speech but was also used metaphorically to indicate one's manner of speaking or expression. Therefore, when combined, the phrase "sharp tongue" signifies a person who speaks in a biting, clever, or pointed manner, using their words to cut or criticize others effectively.
Idioms with the word SHARP TONGUE
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have a sharp tongue
The idiom "have a sharp tongue" means to speak using harsh or critical words, often showing the ability to use wit to insult or mock others.
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be sharptongued, at have a sharp tongue
The idiom "be sharptongued" or "have a sharp tongue" refers to someone who is known for speaking in a critical, sarcastic, or cutting manner. A person with a sharp tongue often uses their words to deliver biting remarks or comments that may hurt or offend others. They possess a quick wit and are skilled at delivering clever, sometimes caustic, remarks. They can be blunt, direct, and may not hesitate to express their opinions, often leaving those around them feeling stung by their words.
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sharp tongue
A sharp tongue refers to a person who speaks in a critical, biting, or harsh manner, often using sarcastic or hurtful remarks.
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