disapproval If you describe someone as sharp-tongued, you being critical of them for speaking in a way which is unkind though often clever. Julia was a very tough, sharp-tongued woman. saying things in a disapproving or unfriendly way which often upsets people
disapproval If you say that someone has a sharp tongue, you are critical of the fact that they say things which are unkind though often clever. Despite her sharp tongue, she inspires loyalty from her friends