crustily
Definition
Adverb: - In a manner that is brusque, curt, or irritable; showing a rough or surly disposition, as if speaking with a "crusty" attitude (where "crusty" means having a hard, brittle exterior, metaphorically applied to personality).
Usage Examples
- (He replied in a curt and irritable way, showing impatience.)
- (He spoke gruffly and roughly, though not without underlying warmth.)
Advanced Usage
- "to respond crustily": to give a short, sharp reply that suggests annoyance or a lack of patience.
- When asked about the delay, the manager responded crustily, "It will be ready when it's ready." (He answered in a blunt and unfriendly manner.)
Variants and Related Words
Crusty (adj): having a hard, brittle covering; figuratively, gruff or irritable in manner.
- She has a crusty exterior, but she is very generous. (She appears rough and unfriendly, but is kind-hearted.)
Crustiness (n): the quality of being crusty; a state of being irritable or brusque.
- His crustiness was a result of lack of sleep. (His irritable mood came from tiredness.)
Synonyms
- Brusquely: in a blunt and abrupt manner.
- Curtly: in a rudely brief way.
- Irritably: in an easily annoyed or impatient way.
Idioms
- (None directly associated with "crustily" itself; however, related to "crusty"):
- "a crusty old fellow": an elderly person who is gruff but often endearing.
- The baker was a crusty old fellow, but everyone loved his bread. (He was a rough-mannered but likable character.)