Gruff means having a harsh, unpleasant or abrupt manner. It can also refer to a rough and deep voice that sounds as if it is coming from someone who is irritated or annoyed.
Usage examples
The gruff bus driver yelled at the noisy kids to sit down and be quiet.
The gruff old man next door always barks at anyone who sets foot on his property.
The detective had a gruff voice that added to his tough persona.
Despite his gruff exterior, the biker had a heart of gold and often helped those in need.
The principal's gruff demeanor intimidated the students, but deep down, he genuinely cared about their well-being.
Fred Ward, as always, comes off as a kind of gruff uncle with a soft heart. (theretroset.com)
With his wife gone and commercial developments sprouting like iron weeds on all sides of his trim little Victorian home, Carl (a character inspired in part by Spencer Tracy and Walter Matthau, and voiced with gruff affability by Ed Asner) is literally besieged. (theatlantic.com)
You spend the first big chunk of the game playing as Solid Snake — the usual Metal Gear hero — who is just as gruff as ever. (gameological.com)