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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
under"She's famous in the office for her caustic wit."
She's famous in the office for her caustic wit.
Would you say whether there is a pejorative or praising overtone in the use of the word 'caustic'?
Thank you
PBF
PS Would you use the words 'pejorative' and 'praising' to form the question? And what do you think about the way I asked this question? Would a native speaker ask a question this way? Thank you again.
Would you say whether there is a pejorative or praising overtone in the use of the word 'caustic'?
Thank you
PBF
PS Would you use the words 'pejorative' and 'praising' to form the question? And what do you think about the way I asked this question? Would a native speaker ask a question this way? Thank you again.
Top answer
Neutral, a bit positive in terms of "wit," a bit negative in terms of "caustic"
- Neutral, a bit positive in terms of "wit," a bit negative in terms of "caustic"
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4 Answers
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Neutral, a bit positive in terms of "wit," a bit negative in terms of "caustic"
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A native might say "Do you think he meant that as a compliment or as a slam?"
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Or 'is that good or bad?'
Generally I think caustic would be a bit negative as it means that it hurts people. On the other hand, some people might admire this as 'wit' is generally a good thing, and some people enjoy slightly cruel wittiness.
Generally I think caustic would be a bit negative as it means that it hurts people. On the other hand, some people might admire this as 'wit' is generally a good thing, and some people enjoy slightly cruel wittiness.
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Caustic comes from a root meaning 'burning; I think it must be taken to be negative in intent.
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