short-spoken

American  

[shawrt-spoh-kuhn] / ˈʃɔrtˈspoʊ kən /

adjective

1. speaking in a short, brief, or curt manner.

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short-spoken British  

adjective

1. tending to be abrupt in speech

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Etymology

Origin of short-spoken

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Hard-boiled and short-spoken, he was not overpopular with U.S. citizens in Shanghai, where he was consul general�but he got things done.

From Time Magazine Archive

Into the stunned silence that followed this outburst from short-spoken, reticent Olive, there came a new voice; such a sweet, lovely voice with a tender ring that made every one start to welcome the speaker.

From Six Girls A Home Story by Merrill, Frank T. (Frank Thayer)

I was trying to move the sofa at the moment and I was inclined to be short-spoken.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, July 14th, 1920 by Various

David, naturally prone to a healthy serenity, and although satisfied with the progress of the work, grew unnaturally gruff and short-spoken.

From Lost Farm Camp by Knibbs, Harry Herbert

There was little frolic left in them when night came; they were short-spoken, prone to grow fierce over trifles.

From The Desert Valley by Gregory, Jackson