Where Does Scathing Come from?

Scathing comes from an old Norse verb, to scathe, which means to injure by fire or lightning. Now we use it when someone's critique is so harsh that it feels like you've been burned.

Can a person be scathing?

If you say that someone is being scathing about something, you mean that they are being very critical of it.

What does scathing satire Mean?

caustic comments mordant suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness. mordant reviews of the play acrid implies bitterness and often malevolence. acrid invective scathing implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity. a scathing satire.