Brusk

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Marked by a sudden and blunt demeanor that may come across as ungracious or curt
2. This term refers to an interaction style that is both abrupt and lacking in the usual politeness, which can be interpreted as unkind
3. Characterized by a manner that is unexpectedly blunt and seemingly rude, often lacking the expected courtesy in conversation

Etymology: The adjective arrived in English from French "brusque," which in turn was taken from Italian "brusco," a word whose original senses were striking and sharp: abrupt or sudden, but also sour or tart, as with unripe fruit, and even grim-looking. That range of meanings explains the modern sense. The Italian word carried a sense of something rough or unpleasant on the tongue or in manner, and English kept the abruptness while the sourness faded into the idea of curt, unfriendly behaviour. The English spelling "brusk" is an alternative form of the same adjective, following the older, shorter spelling that English writers sometimes preferred. The verb "to brusque," meaning to treat someone in an abrupt or offhand way, was later formed from the adjective itself, so the same rough edge runs through both the adjective and its verb.

Synonyms: blunt, curt, rough, gruff, abrupt

Antonyms: polite, gentle, courteous