brusque
Say it: BRUSK /bruːsk/ · adjective
What “brusque” means
Speaking or behaving in a short, abrupt way.
More precisely: Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner.
Example: “His brusque emails make people think he's angry, but he's just busy.”
When to use it
When someone's short replies or abrupt manner feel unfriendly. Useful for describing an interaction without assuming they meant harm.
Similar words
curt, abrupt, blunt
Where it comes from
From French, from Italian brusco, 'sour, tart'.
Quick check
You ask where the changing rooms are, and the assistant points sharply without looking up or saying anything. That's…
concise or brusque?
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brusque
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