The term 'brusque and surly and forbidding' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: GRUFF (5 letters) and TERSE (5 letters). GRUFF is an adjective that means rough, GRUFF, or blunt in manner or speech. It is often used to describe someone who is unfriendly and unapproachable. TERSE is an adjective that means brief, concise, and to the point. It is often used to describe someone who speaks in a curt or abrupt manner. Together, these two words accurately describe someone who is brusque and surly and forbidding.