Acerbic — A Vocabulary Story
The Satnav with the Sharp Tongue
Thomas's dad bought a second-hand satnav from the car boot sale, and it turned out to have opinions.
"Turn left," it said on the way to the seaside. Dad turned right. "Fascinating choice," the satnav drawled. "Truly bold."
Thomas sat up straight. Most satnavs were polite. This one was acerbic, with a voice like vinegar poured over ice.
Acerbic means sharp and biting in tone or manner. It can also mean having a sour or bitter taste.
"Recalculating," it sighed, "since somebody clearly knows better than the map."
Dad's ears went pink. Mum bit her lip to hide a smile. Thomas leaned forward between the seats, thrilled.
At the roundabout, Dad hesitated, circling twice.
"Take the second exit," said the satnav. "That's the one after the first. I mention this because we've now seen it four times."
"It's very rude," Dad muttered.
"It's very right, though," said Thomas.
The acerbic little machine guided them past roadworks, round a queue of caravans, and along a shortcut Dad swore didn't exist.
"It does exist," said the satnav. "Unlike your sense of direction."
Mum laughed so hard she snorted, then pretended she hadn't.
When they finally rolled into the seaside car park, waves sparkling ahead, the satnav made its final announcement.
"You have arrived. Against all odds."
Dad reached over to switch it off, then paused. "We're keeping it," he admitted. "It's acerbic, but it's the only one in this car who knows where we're going."
Thomas patted the dashboard kindly. "Same time next weekend?"
"Recalculating," it replied, sounding almost pleased.
Word Definition
acerbic
meaning
sharp and biting in tone or manner; having a sour or bitter taste
synonyms
sharp · caustic · cutting · bitter · tart
antonyms
sweet · kind · gentle
example sentence
Her acerbic remarks left everyone feeling stung.