Definition of gruff

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gruff    (grf) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
gruff·er, gruff·est

1. Brusque or stern in manner or appearance: a gruff reply.
2. Hoarse; harsh: a gruff voice.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Dutch grof, from Middle Dutch, or Middle Low German

OTHER FORMS:
gruffly(Adverb), gruffness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
gruff, brusque, blunt, bluff², curt, crusty

These adjectives mean abrupt and sometimes discourteous in manner or speech. Gruff implies roughness or surliness but does not necessarily suggest rudeness: a gruff reply. Brusque emphasizes rude abruptness: a brusque manner. Blunt stresses utter frankness and usually a disconcerting directness: a blunt refusal. Bluff refers to unpolished, unceremonious manner but usually implies hearty good nature: a bluff and courageous sailor. Curt denotes usually rude briefness and abruptness of speech: a curt letter of rejection. Crusty suggests a rough and forbidding manner that sometimes conceals benevolence of spirit: a crusty old gentlemen who feeds stray cats.