Pronunciation: [tˈɑːtli] (IPA) 
The word "tartly" is spelled as /ˈtɑːtli/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "tart", is pronounced as /tɑːt/, which rhymes with "start" and "heart". The second syllable, "-ly", is pronounced as /li/ with a short "i" sound, as in "ill" or "list". The "-ly" suffix creates an adverb form of the adjective "tart", meaning sharp or sour in taste or manner. Therefore, "tartly" means in a sharp or sour manner.
Tartly is an adverb that describes an action or behavior done in a sharp, biting, or sarcastic manner. It refers to the use of caustic or cutting words, often in a sassy or bitter way, to convey disapproval, criticism, or annoyance. The term is derived from the adjective "tart," which means having a sharp or acidic taste, and it is often used in a figurative sense to describe a person's speech or attitude.
When someone responds tartly, they may use a quick and cutting phrase, employing irony, sarcasm, or a critical tone. This can be seen in phrases like "She responded tartly to his remark," or "The teacher spoke tartly to the misbehaving student." In these examples, the speaker's words are characterized by a sharpness or acidity that conveys their negative reaction or intention.
"Tartly" can be used to describe a variety of situations, such as a person's reply to a rude comment, a sharp critique of someone's work, or a snappy retort in a heated argument. It highlights the negative and biting quality of someone's speech or tone and suggests that their words may have an edge to them.
The word "tartly" is derived from the adjective "tart".
The word "tart" originated in Middle English as "tart" or "tarte", which referred to a small open pie or pastry with a sweet or savory filling. This sense of the word can be traced back to the Old French word "tarte", which also meant a type of flat pastry.
Over time, the term "tart" developed a metaphorical usage to describe a sharp or sour taste, similar to that of a tart fruit. This metaphor was extended to describe a person's behavior or speech that is sharp, cutting, or sarcastic.
The adverb "tartly" is formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective "tart", indicating the manner in which an action or behavior is performed. Therefore, "tartly" means in a sharp, biting, or sarcastic manner.
