尖酸刻薄

• 小(small; tiny)ASSOCIATIVE
• 大(large; broad)ASSOCIATIVE

A small shape on top and a large shape on bottom form a pointed arrow shape—that is the character for sharp.

• 酉(wine vessel; ferment)RADICAL
• 夋(slow manner; leisurely pace)PHONETIC

Fermenting alcohol produces sourness, which is exactly the character for sour.

• 亥(twelfth earthly branch (pig))PHONETIC
• 刂(blade; knife edge)RADICAL

Using a knife to carve into a surface creates a deep mark.

• 艹(grass; plant)RADICAL
• 溥(widespread; spread widely)PHONO-SEMANTIC

Thin grass spreads everywhere like delicate cloth covering the ground.