acerbic
UK: əˈsɜːbɪk | US: əˈsɜːrbɪk
adj. sharp or bitter in taste
adj. harsh or severe in tone, mood, or manner
The word "acerbic" derives from Latin acerbus (meaning "harsh, bitter"), which itself comes from acer ("sharp"). The suffix -ic was added in English to form an adjective. Originally used to describe literal bitterness (e.g., unripe fruit), it later evolved metaphorically to describe sharpness in speech or temperament. The progression reflects how sensory experiences often inspire abstract descriptions.
The critic’s acerbic remarks left the author feeling humiliated.
The lemon’s acerbic taste made her wince.
His acerbic wit often alienated colleagues.
The film received acerbic reviews for its lack of originality.
She countered his argument with an acerbic retort.