Pronunciation: [bɹˈʌsk] (IPA) 
The word "brusk" can often be misspelled due to its unusual combination of letters. It is pronounced /brʌsk/ with an "uh" sound in the middle, not a "oo" sound. The "s" at the end is pronounced as a "z" sound, which can also cause confusion in spelling. To remember the correct spelling, it may be helpful to associate it with the meaning of the word, which means abrupt or blunt in manner.
Brusk is an adjective that refers to a manner or behavior that is abrupt, blunt, or curt, lacking in social grace or politeness, and often displaying a lack of patience or tolerance. When describing someone as brusk, it suggests that they are intentionally being straightforward or direct, but in a rude or insensitive manner.
A person who is brusk in their interactions may come across as impatient, unsympathetic, or dismissive. They tend to speak or act without consideration for others' feelings or social norms. This brusk behavior may alienate or offend others, as it does not take into account the importance of communication etiquette or the impact of one's words or actions on the emotions of those involved.
It is worth noting that brusk behavior is different from being assertive or concise. Being assertive or concise involves effectively delivering a message or expressing oneself directly, but without being rude or disrespectful. However, someone who is brusk may appear aggressive or uncaring due to their abrupt manner.
In conclusion, the term "brusk" describes a person's behavior that is characterized by being curt, blunt, or abrupt in an unsympathetic or insensitive way, disregarding social norms and others' feelings.
The word "brusk" is spelled as "brusque" in standard English, and its etymology can be traced back to French. It originated from the Old Italian word "brusco", meaning "sour", which was derived from the Late Latin word "bruscus". The sense of the word "brusque" evolved over time, shifting from "sour" to "rough" or "rude" in the English language.
