Words / C2

BROOSK/bruːsk/

Brusque means abrupt and blunt, often rudely so: a brusque reply, brusque with the clerk. Abrupt, terse, and blunt (already in the dictionary) are the close twins of manner and of few words. Laconic (already in the dictionary) is very brief, not necessarily rude. Do not file a flame risk as a curt “noted”.

Meaning

Abrupt and blunt in speech or manner, often to the point of rudeness.

Examples

• “A brusque “noted” beside an open flame risk is not a decision.”
• “Abrupt is sudden (already in C1). Terse is tightly brief (already in C1). Blunt is plain to the point of roughness (already in B2). Laconic is few words (already in C2) — not the same as rude. A short yes with an owner can be exact. A snap with no name is an empty minute. Own the door; brevity is allowed after that.”

Good to know

Curt and blunt. Everyday: abrupt / blunt (already in this dictionary). Close: terse (already in C1). Contrast: laconic (brief, not necessarily rude — already in C2). “Noted” ≠ a close-out.

Near in meaning

abrupt, terse, blunt, curt

New