Which term refers to a manner of speaking that is brief or often rude?

The term that refers to a manner of speaking that is brief or often rude is "curt." When someone communicates in a curt way, they tend to use very few words, which can make their responses feel abrupt or dismissive. This type of communication often lacks warmth or politeness, which can come across as rudeness, especially in contexts where a more gracious or detailed explanation would be expected.

In contrast, "cordial" describes a warm and friendly manner of speaking, suggesting a welcoming or polite interaction. "Cryptic" refers to something that is mysteriously obscure or having a hidden meaning, not necessarily related to rudeness or brevity. "Counterfeit" pertains to something that is fake or forged, which does not relate to the manner of speaking at all. Thus, "curt" is the appropriate choice for describing a brief or potentially rude manner of communication.