切きり口こう上じょう

noun

stiff formality; set terms; formal tone

Refers to a rigid, overly formal way of speaking, often used in set phrases or official contexts. Can imply a lack of warmth or naturalness.

• 彼かれはいつも切きり口こう上じょうで話はなすので、親したしみにくい。

  He always speaks in a stiff, formal manner, so it's hard to get close to him.

• 会かい議ぎでは切きり口こう上じょうの挨あい拶さつが交かわされた。

  At the meeting, formal greetings were exchanged in set terms.