The word acid originally meant ‘sour-tasting’, and came from Latin acidus. The term seems to have been introduced by the 17th-century scientist Francis Bacon, who in 1626, for example, described sorrel as a ‘cold and acid herb’. The chemical sense came along at the end of that century because most common acids taste sour.
The acid test was originally a method of testing for gold using nitric acid. An object made of gold will show no signs of corrosion if imersed in nitric acid, unlike one made of some other metal. By the end of the 19th century the expression had come to denote any situation that proves beyond douby a person’s or thing’s suitability or quality.
Acid Test can also refer to financials – The acid-test, or quick ratio, compares a company’s most short-term assets to its most short-term liabilities to see if a company has enough cash to pay its immediate liabilities, such as short-term debt. The acid-test ratio disregards current assets that are difficult to liquidate quickly such as inventory.
The Australian and New Zealand expression put the acid on, meaning ‘to extract a loan or favour from’, is a reference to such a test – the would-be borrower is seen as ‘testing’ their victim for resistance or weakness.
An acid is a chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid.
This article is one in a series of articles on the Origins of English Words and Phrases. As a professional writer one has to have an extremely good command of the English Language in order to communicate decent marketing and SEO Strategies for clients.
If you want to engage Alan to write or consult for you then please CLICK HERE to LEARN MORE and ORDER your first DISCOUNTED Article.

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on acid here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanStraton/
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Press Release Views since 1 July 2022: 71
Views Since 15 July 2022: 16
Gqeberha’s Latest News and Events can be accessed on MyGqeberha.com.
The following two tabs change content below.
Alan Straton
Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth.
Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."
See more articles by Alan.
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
-
Embroidery or Print? EMB Designs in Durban North Checks the Artwork and Runs a Sample Before a Full Staff, School or Club Order Is Stitched - 4 November 2026
-
LaserTube Brings Fibre Laser Tube Cutting Machines to South African Fabricators, From Compact Shop Units to Bundle Loading Production Cells - 3 November 2026
-
SubAlu Sublimates Photographs Onto Aluminium Panels in Randburg, From A4 Gifts and Square Prints to A1 Statement Pieces and Panoramas - 3 November 2026
-
SA Heros Comics in Observatory Adds Grading Guidance and Archival Storage to Its Range of Local Superhero Comics and Collectables - 3 November 2026
-
OpenCredit in Rosebank Explains in Plain Language What a Credit Score Shows, What a Full Credit Report Shows and Where Debt Review Fits In - 3 November 2026
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Embroidery or Print? EMB Designs in Durban North Checks the Artwork and Runs a Sample Before a Full Staff, School or Club Order Is Stitched - 4 November 2026
- LaserTube Brings Fibre Laser Tube Cutting Machines to South African Fabricators, From Compact Shop Units to Bundle Loading Production Cells - 3 November 2026
- SubAlu Sublimates Photographs Onto Aluminium Panels in Randburg, From A4 Gifts and Square Prints to A1 Statement Pieces and Panoramas - 3 November 2026
- SA Heros Comics in Observatory Adds Grading Guidance and Archival Storage to Its Range of Local Superhero Comics and Collectables - 3 November 2026
- OpenCredit in Rosebank Explains in Plain Language What a Credit Score Shows, What a Full Credit Report Shows and Where Debt Review Fits In - 3 November 2026
