What term would describe remarks that are harsh and critical?

The term "caustic" accurately describes remarks that are harsh and critical. It originates from the word "caustic," which refers to substances that can burn or corrode tissue, metaphorically suggesting that the language used has a sharp, corrosive quality that can hurt or sharply criticize someone or something. In the context of communication, caustic remarks can be biting, sarcastic, or scathing in nature, often cutting deeply and leaving a lasting impact on the subject of the criticism.

Other terms in the options have different meanings that do not align with the notion of harsh criticism. For instance, "boisterous" refers to loud and energetic behavior, "boorish" describes someone who is rude or uncouth but does not specifically pertain to critical language, and "bourgeois" relates to middle-class values and practices, lacking any link to critical remarks. Thus, "caustic" stands out as the precise choice for characterizing harsh and critical comments.