unpleasantry
An awkward remark
An unpleasantry is something disagreeable or offensive—an awkward exchange, a harsh remark, or a minor conflict.
The word often appears in the plural to describe hostile interactions: Let's skip the unpleasantries and get down to business.
It's a somewhat formal or ironic way to acknowledge friction without dwelling on specifics.
Rude or impolite behavior
- impolitenessLack of good manners
- incivilityRude or impolite behavior
- insolenceBold, offensive disrespect
- disrespectLack of regard
boorishness · crudeness · brusqueness · snub · slight · insult · affront · barb
Angry verbal dispute
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
confrontation · clash · row · spat · tiff · squabble · friction · falling-out
Self-conscious unease
- discomfitureUneasy self-conscious distress
- faux pasSocial misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
misstep · awkward silence · clumsiness · inelegance · maladroitness · bungle · lapse · fumble
Mild persistent worry
- discomfortMild physical or mental distress
- strainExcessive stretching force
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
edginess · apprehension · nervousness · iciness · coolness · frostiness · stiffness · uneasiness
discourtesy
Rude or impolite behavior
- impolitenessLack of good manners
- incivilityRude or impolite behavior
- insolenceBold, offensive disrespect
disrespect · boorishness · crudeness · brusqueness · snub · slight · insult · affront · barb · cutting remark
quarrel
Angry verbal dispute
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- disagreementAbsence of shared opinion
argument · confrontation · clash · row · spat · tiff · squabble · friction · falling-out · words
embarrassment
Self-conscious unease
- discomfitureUneasy self-conscious distress
- faux pasSocial misstep or indiscretion
- gaffeClumsy social error
blunder · misstep · awkward silence · clumsiness · inelegance · maladroitness · bungle · lapse · fumble · cringe
unease
Mild persistent worry
- discomfortMild physical or mental distress
- strainExcessive stretching force
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
friction · edginess · apprehension · nervousness · iciness · coolness · frostiness · stiffness · uneasiness
unpleasantrypleasantry
Agreeable conversational remark
compliment · nicety · civility · courtesy · flattery
unpleasantrykindness
Considerate, caring disposition
warmth · friendliness · geniality · affability · good cheer
unpleasantrypleasantry
Agreeable conversational remark
kindness · praise · endearment · good news · reassurance
- unpleasant odorsBad-smelling emanations