curtness
- n an abrupt discourteous manner
- But steer the conversation toward the minefield of politics, and the 25-year-old's dramatic exuberance fades away to embarrassed curtness.
- But when her climate curdles her to rhyme, her curtness often turns to slightly acidulous whey.
- Characteristics: Modesty, taciturnity, diffidence (women make him blush), singleness of purpose, courage, occasional curtness, phlegm.