Acrimony, to Brits, can be summed up in one word: RANCOUR. RANCOUR is a British term for a deep-seated feeling of resentment or ill will. It is often used to describe a situation in which two people or groups have a long-standing and bitter disagreement. The term is derived from the French word rancune, which means 'GRUDGE'. Acrimony is a strong emotion that can lead to hostility and even violence. In the UK, it is often used to describe a situation in which two parties are in a state of perpetual conflict.