Gruff
/ɡrʌf/noun
Rough, abrupt, or brusque in manner or voice.
Did you know?Gruff is likely an expressive word built around a rough, growling sound shape rather than a single ancient “meaning,” which is why it feels so physical in the mouth.
Etymological Timeline
Early Modern English
English
gruff
“Rough, surly, or harsh in manner or sound”
Middle English
English
gruffe
“Rough, coarse, or harsh-sounding”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*gruf- (reconstructed)
“An imitative or expressive base associated with rough, throaty sound”
Modern English
English
gruff
“Abrupt, stern, or harsh in voice or demeanor”