acerbus (bitter): malignus (malicious): aculeatus, mordax (pointed, biting): criminosus (reproachful; of a speech, etc.): acutus (sharp): salsus (PROP., seasoned with salt; then, also, IMPROP., having a witty piquancy; of men, speeches, etc.). To be pungent, mordere; aculeum habere (of speeches, writings): acerbum esse in vituperando (in blaming), in conviciis (in scolding; both of persons).