This is the 15833rd most frequent German word.
ätzende
"Ätzende" means "corrosive" or, informally, "annoying/irritating."
Here, 'ätzend' is used in its literal meaning, describing a sharp, pungent odor typically associated with chemicals.
Die Atmosphäre des Chemie-Labors riecht ätzend.
The atmosphere of the chemistry lab smells caustic.
Here, 'ätzend' is employed colloquially to describe a frustrating or bothersome situation.
Diese Situation ist wirklich ätzend.
This situation is really annoying.
In this case, 'ätzend' is used metaphorically to describe a sarcastic or harsh comment.