Make Your Point > Archived Issues > ACRID

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"ACRID" Meaning: Something acrid is sharp, bitter, and irritating. Pronunciation: ACK rid (or "ACK rud") Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “acrid laughter.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The laughter was acrid.”) Other forms: acridly, acridity/acridness How to use it: Talk about acrid smells, acrid tastes or acrid foods (or drinks or medicines,) acrid humor and acrid laughter, an acrid person or an acrid temper, someone who's acrid over some issue ("she's still acrid over the loss,") acrid thoughts and acrid speech or an acrid tone of voice, etc. I usually love the smell of books, but there's something particularly gross about the acrid smell of really old ones in a building that hasn't been cleaned in forever. We might not ever get the calm, respectful election season we want--one free from acrid comments and accusations. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "acrid" means when you can explain it without saying "sharp" or "harsh." Think of a book, movie, or show that has a harsh tone or a bitter, mean character, and fill in the blanks: "(Title) is an acrid portrait of _____." Example: "The first few chapters of The Hunger Games are an acrid portrait of imposed poverty." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, we're playing with song lyrics that include words featured in issues of Make Your Point. I’ll give you a few lines from the song, with a blank where our word appears, along with its definition. See if you can come up with it! You can follow the link to see the right answer right away, or just wait until the following day’s issue. Have fun! Yesterday's lyrics: Artist: Liza Minnelli Title: You Fascinate Me So Lyrics:    So sermonize and preach to me    Make your _____ little speech to me    But oh my darling you forgive my inability to concentrate Definition: pretending to be holy and perfect (and therefore annoying) Answer: sanctimonious Try this one today: Artist: Jamiroquai Title: Light Years Lyrics:    People tell me I'm no good    ‘Cause I'm expressin' all my sentiments    Now I got to channel all my _____    For the benefit of my self-defense Definition: intensity of feeling, often with anger Peek at the answer... A Point Well Made: Barbara Strang: “Fussing about split infinitives is one of the more tiresome pastimes invented by nineteenth-century grammarians.” 1. The opposite of ACRID is A. SWEET B. SIMPLE C. SLIGHT 2. The acrid scent of _____ hung in the air. A. smoke B. pancakes C. excitement Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. A Exploring the archives: If today's "acrid" and its synonym "acerbic" both come from a Latin word meaning "sharp," then why bother having both words, and when do you choose one or the other? Well, those are the tough questions. I'd guess that it all boils down to tradition: certain phrases, by habit or imitation, come naturally. So you often talk about acerbic attitudes and acerbic criticism, but acrid smells and acrid tastes. Although, if you want to treat these words as interchangeable, I wouldn't argue with you!