Conversation

General question: why do acids play a bigger role in culture/language than alkalis? Why not 'alkaline tongue'?
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Acids are more powerful than bases for a given tech level. Cf. oxidizers (saltpeter, bleach) v. reducing agents (ascorbic, Zn(Hg))
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Medieval, early-modern, space age, etc. Many idioms developed before we had access to the full range of chemicals we can make today.