Rebarbative

Meaning: Repulsive, irritating, or off-putting. Something that makes you want to pull away because it’s unpleasant, harsh, or unwelcoming.
Used most for tone, manners, style, or appearance.

Pronounced: _ri-BAR-buh-tiv_
From French _rebarbatif_ = "that which repels" + Latin _barba_ = "beard" → originally "rough like a beard"

Sentence:
His *rebarbative* email tone made the whole team uncomfortable, even though his point was valid.

Other examples:
- The professor’s *rebarbative* criticism shut down any discussion in class.
- The building’s *rebarbative* concrete facade felt cold and unwelcoming.
- I tried the skincare product, but the *rebarbative* smell was too much.

Quick way to remember:
Rebarbative = *Re*pel + *barb*. It’s got barbs that push people away.

It’s a pretty fancy word — you’ll mostly see it in books, reviews, and formal writing.

Want me to add this to your "strong adjective" list with ineluctable and frouzy?