Literary notes about caustic (AI summary)
In literature, "caustic" functions on two principal levels, both literal and metaphorical. On one hand, it describes substances with a corrosive nature, such as potent alkalis that burn or dissolve matter, as seen when it refers to corrosive chemicals locking up acids and alkalies [1] or the strong solution of caustic potash [2]. On the other hand, the term characterizes a sharply cutting wit or severe criticism, highlighting personalities or comments that metaphorically burn with harsh, unyielding force. This dual usage appears in portrayals of characters with biting humor and caustic remarks—often depicted as cold, sarcastic, or cruel [3], [4], [5]—underscoring how language can evoke the destructive power associated with corrosive substances.