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.
Direct, unguarded honesty
- candorUnguarded truthfulness
- forthrightnessQuality of being direct
- straightforwardnessQuality of being direct
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
openness · plainness · outspokenness · sincerity · truthfulness · guilelessness · artlessness · ingenuousness
Frank, unvarnished manner
- gruffnessHarsh, rough manner
- curtnessRudely brief speech
- abruptnessSudden, unexpected manner
- tersenessExtreme brevity of expression
roughness · sharpness · harshness · brashness · tactlessness · coarseness · crudeness · rudeness
Warmth of manner
- jovialityHearty, convivial cheerfulness
- warmthHeat you feel
- affabilityWarm, friendly disposition
- good-naturednessPleasant, agreeable temperament
robustness · cheerfulness · boisterousness · breeziness · conviviality · bonhomie · ebullience · friendliness
frankness
Direct, unguarded honesty
- candorUnguarded truthfulness
- forthrightnessQuality of being direct
- straightforwardnessQuality of being direct
honesty · openness · plainness · outspokenness · sincerity · truthfulness · guilelessness · artlessness · ingenuousness · transparency
bluntness
Frank, unvarnished manner
- gruffnessHarsh, rough manner
- curtnessRudely brief speech
- abruptnessSudden, unexpected manner
terseness · roughness · sharpness · harshness · brashness · tactlessness · coarseness · crudeness · rudeness · discourtesy
geniality
Warmth of manner
- jovialityHearty, convivial cheerfulness
- warmthHeat you feel
- affabilityWarm, friendly disposition
good-naturedness · robustness · cheerfulness · boisterousness · breeziness · conviviality · bonhomie · ebullience · friendliness · heartiness
bluffnessdiplomacy
Negotiation between nations
tactfulness · tact · delicacy · gentleness · subtlety
bluffnessrefinement
Elegance of manner
suavity · polish · sophistication · smoothness · urbanity
bluff, bluffing, bluffs, bluffer, bluffed, bluffers, outbluff, outbluffing