brusque
BRUSK
/brʊsk/
Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner; curt to the point of rudeness.
Refers specifically to interpersonal communication that is short, blunt, and unsweetened.
The story behind the word. Adopted into English via French from Italian brusco, meaning 'sour' or 'rough' (originally applied to harsh wild berries or unripe wine). In English, it transitioned from describing tart tastes to describing sharp, rough social interactions.
Word relationships
- curt: Curt emphasizes extreme brevity in speech that feels dismissive; brusque stresses a rough, abrupt manner.
- terse: Terse implies concise, polished brevity; brusque carries an explicit edge of harshness or social friction.
- courteous: Courteous describes polite, respectful social manners.
- gracious: Gracious implies warm, tactful, and considerate behavior.
Commonly confused with
- burlesque: Burlesque is a satirical, comic theatrical performance; brusque means curt and abrupt.
Word family
- brusquely (adverb): In an abrupt and blunt manner.
- brusqueness (noun): Abruptness and curtness of manner.
Collocations
- brusque manner
- brusque dismissal
- brusque tone
- brusque efficiency
Idioms & expressions
- short and sweet
- blunt to a fault
Example sentences
- "His manner was brusque and energetic, though not devoid of courtesy." Detective observation in fiction
- "The clerk's brusque reply left the customer feeling dismissed and unwelcome." Customer service evaluation
Memory hook
A BRUSH with a BRUSQUE person leaves you feeling scratched. Rough and short like coarse sandpaper.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical speed or broad strategic plans; it applies to speech and social behavior.
Fun facts
- In French, 'brusque' can also refer to sudden weather turns, but English borrowed only the behavioral sense.
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