Joseph Pulitzer

Don't be sensitive if I should, in future, seem brusque, harsh, or even unjust in my criticism. I sincerely hope I never shall be; but if I should, remember that fault-finding is perhaps both my privilege and my weakness, that correction is the only road to improvement, and that my quick temper and illness are entitled to some consideration.

American Publisher

Roger Allam

I remember once about 10 years ago when I was injured, having to rehearse, and I was walking with a stick. And I was terribly touched by the amount of people willing to give up a seat. You often hear that London is so brusque and rude, but the grace with which people negotiate incredibly crowded spaces is something rather nice.

English Actor

Kate O'Mara

I'm actually quite a nice person. It's to do with the way I look, an uncompromising sort of face, brusque delivery and voice, and I think the combination of all that. When I'm doing pantomime, children will scream the place down before I open my mouth. There's obviously something that really gets them.

English Actress

Karan Mahajan

In Delhi, where I grew up, commerce is brusque. You don't ask each other how your day has been. You might not even smile. I'm not saying this is ideal - it's how it is. You're tied together by a transaction. The customer doesn't tremble before complaining about how cold his food is.

Indian Novelist

James Welch

Nobody would take checks from Indians, nobody would give them any credit, and nobody would let them drink in the bars. There was a rudeness, a brusqueness, with which the Indians were treated constantly. At a very young age, that had entered my consciousness.

English Soldier

Alain de Botton

Le Corbusier is an outstanding writer. His ideas achieved their impact in large measure because he could write so convincingly. His style is utterly clear, brusque, funny and polemical in the best way.

English Writer

Paresh Rawal

Charlie Chaplin was known to be an acrimonious person. Not that I compare myself to him but I am quite brusque, too.

Indian Actor

Anna Wintour

If one comes across sometimes as being cold or brusque, it's simply because I'm striving for the best.

English Editor

Using 'brusque' can imply rudeness, so be cautious not to offend when speaking.

Potentially Offensive

'Brusque' can be perceived as professional detachment in business contexts.

Business Tone

What's 'brusque' in one culture may be normal in another; understand the audience.

Cultural Variance

'Brusque' may be more acceptable in impersonal or brief interactions.

Impersonal Situations

Compare 'brusque' to polite speech to better understand its tone.

Contrast with Politeness

In literature, 'brusque' characters may be seen as powerful or unsympathetic.