figurative. That causes sharp mental pain or irritation, poignant; that goads or stimulates. Of speech: Biting, pungent.

figurative. Of words, speech, a speaker: Sharp in tone or tendency, biting, cutting, acrimonious, caustic.

Esp. of speech or a debate: bitter and angry in tone or manner; bitter-tempered.

Of speech, manner, or temper: bitter and sharp; forthright and cutting.