Brusque is an adjective that means abrupt or curt.

The Latin word bruscum (BROOS coom) described a broom used by a butcher. These days when we brush something away quickly and rudely, we are being brusque. Here’s an example:

I didn’t mean to be brusque with that salesman, but, living in the arctic circle, we really didn’t need an air conditioner — especially in January. Sometimes you have to be a little rude with somebody To get your point across.