| Rating | Solver | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| BLUFF | Gruff | |
| COARSE | Gruff | |
| HOARSE | Gruff | |
| TROLL | Billy Goats Gruff monster | |
| GRUNTS | Emits a low short gruff noise | |
| RASPY | Gruff Pa’s tackled, taken in by rugby outsiders | |
| GRIFFINS | Gruff change of heart in headstrong mythical creatures | |
| SHORT-SPOKEN | Speaking in a quick or short manner; hence, gruff; curt. | |