marked by rude or peremptory shortness; try to cultivate a less brusque manner; a curt reply; the salesgirl was very short with him

[ Syn: brusque , brusk , short ]

brief and to the point; effectively cut short; a crisp retort; a response so curt as to be almost rude; the laconic reply; `yes; short and terse and easy to understand

[ Syn: crisp , laconic , terse ]