Curt
adjective
Short and quick in a way that may seem rude or harsh.
His curt reply left me feeling a bit rejected.
Often appears as...
- curt reply
- curt nod
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Short and quick in a way that may seem rude or harsh.
His curt reply left me feeling a bit rejected.
Often appears as...
- curt reply
- curt nod
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Impression
Using 'curt' may imply rudeness or impatience, often it's unintended.
Her curt 'I'm busy' sounded abrupt, even though she didn't mean to be rude.
Pro Tip 2/3Response to Rudeness
'Curt' can be a reaction to disrespect, signaling the end of a conversation.
After the insult, his curt 'goodbye' showed he wouldn't tolerate rudeness.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Variations
In some cultures, being 'curt' can be viewed more negatively than in others.
His curt manner was accepted at home but seen as unfriendly abroad.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Impression
Using 'curt' may imply rudeness or impatience, often it's unintended.
Her curt 'I'm busy' sounded abrupt, even though she didn't mean to be rude.
Pro Tip 2/3Response to Rudeness
'Curt' can be a reaction to disrespect, signaling the end of a conversation.
After the insult, his curt 'goodbye' showed he wouldn't tolerate rudeness.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Variations
In some cultures, being 'curt' can be viewed more negatively than in others.
His curt manner was accepted at home but seen as unfriendly abroad.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Impression
Using 'curt' may imply rudeness or impatience, often it's unintended.
Her curt 'I'm busy' sounded abrupt, even though she didn't mean to be rude.
Pro Tip 2/3Response to Rudeness
'Curt' can be a reaction to disrespect, signaling the end of a conversation.
After the insult, his curt 'goodbye' showed he wouldn't tolerate rudeness.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Variations
In some cultures, being 'curt' can be viewed more negatively than in others.
His curt manner was accepted at home but seen as unfriendly abroad.
Never forget "Curt"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
White Water Race PIPE Are...
gonna go just to the right of it we got the spare you got that look you guys come on we just keep going keep forward paddling i'm reading the water up ahead of me looking for boulders all right here we go oh we got a rock he'll try to get over on the right when we get into the curt a little bit yeah help us out
Video examples
White Water Race PIPE Are...
gonna go just to the right of it we got the spare you got that look you guys come on we just keep going keep forward paddling i'm reading the water up ahead of me looking for boulders all right here we go oh we got a rock he'll try to get over on the right when we get into the curt a little bit yeah help us out
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Karisma Kapoor
Indian Actress
Maids in India have egos. Big egos. They do not like being spoken to curtly, and they do not like to be abruptly instructed by a woman they do not know. They come with the feeling that they already know everything. So while training them to do things your way, speak gently, and when they do it right, appreciate it.
Quote examples
Daniel Goleman
American Author
A little girl who finds a puzzle frustrating might ask her busy mother (or teacher) for help. The child gets one message if her mother expresses clear pleasure at the request and quite another if mommy responds with a curt 'Don't bother me - I've got important work to do.
Quote examples
Jonathan Franklin
American Journalist
In Peru, awareness of fake currency is so high that retail shops regularly provide cashiers with hole punchers. When a fake bill is received, the cashier quickly pops out a few holes before curtly returning the bill to an oft-surprised client.
Quote examples
Dawn Steel
American Businesswoman
I don't know that I would say abrasive. In some ways, I was curt because there's an unbelievable amount to accomplish in a day, and maybe I was insensitive considering the pressures and responsibilities of these jobs.
Quote examples
Big E
Curt Hawkins gave me the Big Ending. That's been my finish for 12 years because of him.
Quote examples
Dawn Steel
American Businesswoman
In some ways I was curt because there's an unbelievable amount to accomplish in a day.
Quote examples
Scott Hall
American Wrestler
Curt Hennig was my buddy, and he had great success with Mr. Perfect.
Quote examples
Karisma Kapoor
Indian Actress
Maids in India have egos. Big egos. They do not like being spoken to curtly, and they do not like to be abruptly instructed by a woman they do not know. They come with the feeling that they already know everything. So while training them to do things your way, speak gently, and when they do it right, appreciate it.
Quote examples
Daniel Goleman
American Author
A little girl who finds a puzzle frustrating might ask her busy mother (or teacher) for help. The child gets one message if her mother expresses clear pleasure at the request and quite another if mommy responds with a curt 'Don't bother me - I've got important work to do.
Quote examples
Jonathan Franklin
American Journalist
In Peru, awareness of fake currency is so high that retail shops regularly provide cashiers with hole punchers. When a fake bill is received, the cashier quickly pops out a few holes before curtly returning the bill to an oft-surprised client.
Quote examples
Dawn Steel
American Businesswoman
I don't know that I would say abrasive. In some ways, I was curt because there's an unbelievable amount to accomplish in a day, and maybe I was insensitive considering the pressures and responsibilities of these jobs.
Quote examples
Big E
Curt Hawkins gave me the Big Ending. That's been my finish for 12 years because of him.
Quote examples
Dawn Steel
American Businesswoman
In some ways I was curt because there's an unbelievable amount to accomplish in a day.
Quote examples
Scott Hall
American Wrestler
Curt Hennig was my buddy, and he had great success with Mr. Perfect.
Example 1 of 7
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension