Abrupt and rather rude in manner or speech; not very polite or gentle.
From French 'brusque', likely derived from Italian 'brusco' meaning rough or sharp. The word entered English in the 17th century to describe someone's blunt or curt behavior.
The word 'brisk' and 'brusk' share the same root but evolved differently in meaning—'brisk' became about lively energy while 'brusk' kept the rough edge, showing how related words can split personalities over time.
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