Gruffly
/ˈɡrʌf.li/noun
In a rough, abrupt, or harsh manner.
Did you know?The core of *gruff* is tied to a Germanic word family meaning rough or shaggy, not to any occult force — but the sound itself has long been used in English to mimic a coarse, abrasive voice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*gruffaz
“rough, coarse”
Old English
OE
gruff
“rough, harsh, or severe”
Middle English
ME
gruf
“coarse or rough in texture or manner”
16th Century
English
gruff
“rough-sounding or brusque”
16th Century
English
gruffly
“in a rough or brusque manner”
Modern English
English
gruffly
“in a rough, abrupt, or harsh manner”