'acrimony' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acrimonia', where 'acer' meant 'sharp' or 'bitter'.

'acrimonia' transformed into the French word 'acrimonie', and eventually became the modern English word 'acrimony' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'sharpness or bitterness in taste', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'bitterness or harshness in speech or behavior'.