unpleasantries
Rude or difficult exchanges
Unpleasantries are disagreeable exchanges or remarks—the opposite of pleasantries.
Where pleasantries are the polite small talk that smooths social interaction, unpleasantries are the hostile words or confrontations that roughen it: After the initial unpleasantries, the meeting settled into productive discussion.
The word often appears with a touch of irony or understatement.
Disparaging remarks
- discourtesiesRude or inconsiderate behaviors
- slightsMinor deliberate offenses
- snubsIntentional social rejections
- barbsSharp points or jibes
jibes · digs · put-downs · affronts · offenses · indignities · insolence · disrespect
Active armed fighting
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
disagreement · argument · clash · feud · friction · squabble · spat · row
Lack of grace or ease
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- uneaseMild persistent worry
- tensionStretched or strained state
- strainExcessive stretching force
difficulty · trouble · messiness · complications · ugliness · nastiness · sticky situations · hard feelings
insults
Disparaging remarks
- discourtesiesRude or inconsiderate behaviors
- slightsMinor deliberate offenses
- snubsIntentional social rejections
barbs · jibes · digs · put-downs · affronts · offenses · indignities · insolence · disrespect · sarcasm
hostilities
Active armed fighting
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
quarrel · disagreement · argument · clash · feud · friction · squabble · spat · row · falling-out
awkwardness
Lack of grace or ease
- embarrassmentSelf-conscious unease
- uneaseMild persistent worry
- tensionStretched or strained state
strain · difficulty · trouble · messiness · complications · ugliness · nastiness · sticky situations · hard feelings · bad blood
unpleasantriespleasantries
Polite conversational formalities
niceties · civilities · courtesies · pleasantness · cordialities
unpleasantriespleasures
Sources of enjoyment
delights · joys · comforts · pleasantness · enjoyments
unpleasantriespleasantries
Polite conversational formalities
compliments · kind words · sweet nothings · flattery · praise
please, pleasure, pleasant, pleasing, pleased, unpleasant, displeased, pleasantly, displeasure