gruffish
/ˈɡrʌfɪʃ/
adjective
- Somewhat gruff; having a rough or slightly unfriendly manner, but not extremely so.
- The old librarian had a gruffish voice but was actually very helpful.
- His gruffish reply made me think he was annoyed, but he was just tired.
- She gave a gruffish nod and then smiled, showing she wasn't really angry.