vinegary

Think of the sharp tang of vinegar. "Vinegary" usually describes something that tastes or smells strongly of vinegar, with a sour, acidic bite. A salad dressing, sauce, or pickled food can be vinegary if the vinegar taste stands out. The word can also describe a person's manner or words when they sound sharp, critical, or unfriendly. Someone in a bad mood might make a vinegary remark that stings.

Vinegary primarily describes something that has the sharp, sour taste or smell of vinegar. It is not just generally sour; it suggests a clear vinegar-like bite. You might call a salad dressing, pickled onion, sauce, or relish vinegary if the vinegar flavor is strong. A food or drink can also seem vinegary if it has developed an unpleasant sour edge.

The word is also used in a figurative way for people, speech, or mood. If someone sounds sharp, harsh, sarcastic, or cross, their tone may be described as vinegary. A person with a vinegary manner often seems ready to criticize, and a vinegary comment can feel biting or unkind.

The idea comes directly from vinegar itself, so the word works well both for flavor and for attitude. In everyday use, it often suggests something unpleasantly sharp, whether that is a food with too much vinegar or a person whose words have a sour edge.