Many people are called "sharp-tongued but soft-hearted," but in reality, they often have the sharp tongue without the soft heart.

This term is frequently used in Chinese culture to excuse poor communication styles.

For example:
Someone often:
• Makes sarcastic remarks about others
• Speaks harshly
• Mocks people
• Puts others down

Then people say, "He's just sharp-tongued but soft-hearted; he's not a bad person."

But in reality, very often: the hurtful words are real, while the soft heart may not actually exist.

Let me explain a deeper logic.

Truly kind people generally don't maintain a sharp tongue long-term.

Because if someone truly:
• Has strong empathy
• Has a soft heart
• Cares about others' feelings

They usually gradually learn to:
• Speak in a different way
• Avoid intentionally hurting people

So people who maintain a sharp tongue long-term often reveal:
• Poor emotional management
• Weak empathy
• Or a habit of expressing themselves by putting others down