harsh answer

[/hɑːrʃ ˈɑːnsər/]
nounpl: harsh answers
resposta áspera
1. A response that is severe, unkind, or delivered in a rough manner, often causing offense or emotional pain
Her harsh answer to his question left him feeling hurt and rejected.
Sua resposta áspera à pergunta dele o deixou ferido e rejeitado.
2. A blunt or brutally honest reply without consideration for the listener's feelings
The teacher gave a harsh answer when the student asked for an extension.
O professor deu uma resposta áspera quando o aluno pediu uma prorrogação.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, a 'harsh answer' is generally perceived negatively as it violates social norms of politeness and consideration. In Brazilian culture, which often values warmth and interpersonal harmony, such answers may be seen as particularly offensive. In American contexts, directness is sometimes valued, but 'harsh' still implies an unnecessarily cruel or unkind delivery.
NYC Slang
a tight/cold answer; a hard pass response
Synonyms / Sinônimos
curt answerblunt responsesharp replybrusque answerrude responseunkind answer
Antonyms / Antônimos
gentle answerkind responsesoft replycompassionate responsetactful answer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
resposta áspera
Most common and widely understood usage
Rio de Janeiro
resposta áspera / resposta seca
'Resposta seca' is also commonly used in colloquial speech
São Paulo
resposta áspera / resposta dura
'Resposta dura' emphasizes severity
Portugal
resposta áspera / resposta áspera
Similar usage but may include 'resposta rude' as alternative

Related Words

harsh toneabrupt responsecutting remarkrebukecriticismsarcasm

Related Idioms & Phrases

give someone a piece of one's mind
tell it like it is
not mince words
speak one's mind harshly
dar uma resposta sem rodeios
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