gruff

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

• • a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

• • a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

• • a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

• • a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

• • a crusty exterior

gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

• • puts on a gruff pose