毒 舌(どくぜつ)

どくぜつ

noun

sharp tongue, caustic remarks

1. sharp tongue, caustic remarks, biting speech

Harsh, cutting, or sarcastic speech that criticizes others. Can refer both to the tendency to speak sharply and to the remarks themselves. In entertainment contexts, it can have an admiring or humorous tone.

あの先生(せんせい)は毒舌(どくぜつ)で有名(ゆうめい)だ。

That teacher is famous for having a sharp tongue.

彼(かれ)の毒舌(どくぜつ)は面白(おもしろ)いけど傷(きず)つく人(ひと)もいる。

His caustic remarks are funny, but some people get hurt.

Entertainers popular for their sharp-tongued persona are thriving on variety shows.

Usage

Literally "poison tongue." Can be used as a noun (毒舌(どくぜつ)を吐(は)く = to make caustic remarks) or as a modifier (毒舌(どくぜつ)キャラ = sharp-tongued character/persona). In Japanese entertainment, 毒舌(どくぜつ) is often seen as an entertaining quality, and certain comedians and TV personalities are known for their 毒舌(どくぜつ) style.

Common collocations

毒舌(どくぜつ)を吐(は)く: to make caustic remarks
毒舌(どくぜつ)キャラ: sharp-tongued persona
毒舌(どくぜつ)家(か): person known for sharp remarks
毒舌(どくぜつ)芸人(げいにん): sharp-tongued comedian

Similar words

皮肉(ひにく): sarcasm, irony (more indirect and intellectual)
辛口(からくち): harsh criticism, blunt (originally describes dry sake/wine taste)

Related Words

Synonym: 皮肉(ひにく) (sarcasm, irony)

Synonym: 辛口(からくち) (harsh criticism, blunt)

Compare: 口(くち)が悪(わる)い (sharp-tongued)

general

Added 2026.2.24 15:14 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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