Using few words to express much; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious. Characterized by brevity of speech or expression.
From Greek 'Lakonikos' meaning 'of Laconia' (the region around Sparta). The Spartans were famous for their terse, direct speech - when Philip of Macedon threatened invasion with 'If I enter Laconia, I will destroy Sparta,' the Spartans replied simply: 'If.'
Think of Spartans - they were the original strong, silent types! 'Laconic' literally means 'Spartan-like' in speech. When someone asked a Spartan warrior about his sword being short, he replied, 'It's long enough to reach your heart.' That's laconic!
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