gruffy

[gruhf-ee]

adjective

gruffier, gruffiest 

1. gruff.

Other Word Forms

• gruffily adverb
• gruffiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gruffy¹

First recorded in 1780–90; gruff + -y ¹

Example Sentences

So don't be surprised if you soon see a giant gruffy penguin pop up around you, it's just Pengsoo.

Read more on BBC

“There was this deep sensitivity about him with a gruffy exterior,” recalled Currivan.

Read more on Fox News

What quondam collector at Rome but must recollect that snuffy and gruffy old fellow, Ignazio Vesconali, who lives at the bottom of Scalirata, and has grown old with the Piazza itself!

Read more on Project Gutenberg

"Hire a hall," shouted the gruffy top sergeant.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

"You may kick till you're tired," said the gruffy little dwarf; "no one gets to Mr. Reading without paying toll to Mr. Alphabet, his highly respectable porter."

Read more on Project Gutenberg