bluffness

Rough frank manner

Bluffness is the quality of being direct, hearty, and plainspoken, sometimes to the point of seeming rough or abrupt.

It suggests someone who doesn't soften their words or stand on ceremony: His bluffness could be off-putting, but you always knew where you stood with him.

The term often carries a grudging admiration—bluffness may lack polish, but it implies honesty.

directness

frankness

Direct, unguarded honesty

honesty · openness · plainness · outspokenness · sincerity · truthfulness · guilelessness · artlessness · ingenuousness · transparency

brusqueness

bluntness

Frank, unvarnished manner

terseness · roughness · sharpness · harshness · brashness · tactlessness · coarseness · crudeness · rudeness · discourtesy

heartiness

geniality

Warmth of manner

good-naturedness · robustness · cheerfulness · boisterousness · breeziness · conviviality · bonhomie · ebullience · friendliness · heartiness

Opposites
manner of communication

bluffnessdiplomacy

Negotiation between nations

tactfulness · tact · delicacy · gentleness · subtlety

social refinement

bluffnessrefinement

Elegance of manner

suavity · polish · sophistication · smoothness · urbanity

Family

bluff, bluffing, bluffs, bluffer, bluffed, bluffers, outbluff, outbluffing

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G