| Harsh |
| Blunt |
| Surly |
| Hoarse |
| Crusty |
| Throaty |
| Churlish |
| Crotchety |
| Bad-tempered |
| Curmudgeonly |
| Harsh; surly |
| Rough, surly |
| Short-tempered |
| Sounding rough |
| Rough-mannered |
| Abrupt or surly |
| Harsh — brusque |
| Harsh and brusque |
| Stern and brusque |
| Brusque and surly |
| Rasping — ungracious |
| Poorly suited to working in public relations |