A person who holds strong convictions might appear inflexible, impolite, or exceptionally obtuse, when they are merely direct.

Rudeness is a means to attract attention, assert power, cover-up ineptitude, deflect personal insecurities, and intimidate meeker people.

What's wrong with my proposition?"
Poirot rose. "If you will forgive me for being personal - I do not like your face.

They didn't get the blunt end of it.

Can I be blunt?

He's always been known for straight talk and blunt talk ? never shied away from that. And that just hasn't been there recently,