curt order

[/kɜːrt ˈɔːrdər/]
nounpl: curt orders
ordem breve/seca
1. A command or instruction given in a brief, abrupt, or rudely short manner, often without explanation or courtesy
The manager issued a curt order to finish the project by Friday without any additional details.
O gerente deu uma ordem breve para terminar o projeto até sexta-feira sem detalhes adicionais.
2. A terse directive that lacks politeness or warmth in tone
With a curt order, the captain told the soldiers to stand at attention.
Com uma ordem seca, o capitão mandou os soldados ficarem em posição de sentido.
In both American and Brazilian business cultures, a curt order is generally perceived as unprofessional or disrespectful in modern workplace settings. However, in military or emergency contexts, curt orders are expected and valued for their efficiency. In Brazil, directness in communication is more accepted in hierarchical contexts, but excessive curtness is still considered impolite.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
terse commandabrupt directivebrief instructionsharp commandbrusque order
Antonyms / Antônimos
polite requestcourteous instructiongentle suggestionelaborate explanation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ordem breve/seca
Standard usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ordem seca/brusca
Common in military and workplace contexts
São Paulo
ordem breve/direta
Often used in corporate environments
Portugal
ordem lacónica/abrupta
European Portuguese preference for 'lacónica'

Related Words

curtnesscommanddirectiveinstructiondemandabruptness

Related Idioms & Phrases

bark an order
snap an order at someone
cut someone short
give someone their marching orders
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