Meaning
毒舌 literally means 'poisonous tongue' and describes someone who speaks with biting sarcasm, harsh criticism, or cutting remarks. While the words may sting, the term often carries a somewhat playful or admiring connotation when describing someone's witty but brutal honesty, especially in entertainment or comedy contexts.
Usage
Commonly used to describe celebrities, comedians, or judges known for blunt, sarcastic commentary. Can be used as a noun (a person with a sharp tongue) or adjectively (毒舌的人). While it implies harshness, it's not always entirely negative—many people appreciate 毒舌 humor for its honesty and entertainment value. Popular in describing TV show judges or talk show hosts.
Examples
- 01他以毒舌著称，经常在节目中直言不讳地批评选手。, .He's famous for his sharp tongue, often criticizing contestants bluntly on the show.
- 02虽然她说话毒舌，但大家都知道她心地善良。, .Although she has a caustic tongue, everyone knows she has a kind heart.
Characters
Common collocations
- 毒舌评论caustic commentary
- 毒舌女王queen of sharp tongue
- 毒舌派sharp-tongued group/style
Antonyms
Origin
Direct combination of 毒 (poison) and 舌 (tongue), creating a vivid metaphor for speech that 'poisons' or stings like venom. The concept exists across cultures but became particularly popular in Chinese pop culture through Japanese and Korean entertainment shows featuring sharp-tongued judges.