curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.
a curt command
crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.
a crusty exterior
gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.
puts on a gruff pose
Example Sentences
a basket of warm, crusty bread We could see deer tracks in the crusty snow bank.
Recent Examples on the WebFor a heartier meal, serve with toast or a piece of crusty bread for dunking in the soup. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2022 Serve with crusty bread and a green salad, and more grated Parmesan for passing. Tribune News Service, cleveland, 1 Aug. 2022 Come for the bagels, the chocolate babka and the fantasia of murals and graffiti encircling the bakery — and then buy a crusty loaf or two to take home.New York Times, 11 Jan. 2022 Tucked into a crusty loaf, the beef is paired with a tangle of hot and sweet peppers, softened onions and aged provolone.Washington Post, 16 June 2021 Once the lid is clapped on, the steam from the sticky dough produces a crusty artisan-style loaf with a soft chewy inside. Sally Pasley Vargas, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2021 Layers of deli meats with a spicy olive relish on a crusty round loaf. Tribune News Service, cleveland, 15 Feb. 2021 Cook burgers 2 ½ to 3 minutes, without disturbing, so bottoms get browned and crusty. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Here is the perfect excuse to replace your old, crusty weed grinder.Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 See More